MTN’s new ‘unapproved’ tariff plan – why operators must play by the rules

The average Nigerian has a feeling that change is in the air. Change has become almost fashionable, populist, in Nigeria following the triumph of the change slogan at the last general elections. Nigerians have voted for change.

For this purpose, the world, particularly those with some stake in Nigeria, is eagerly awaiting the Friday, May 29, 2015 handover date. From word of mouth in the streets, even citizens who did not vote for change have joined the change bandwagon. But what does this amount to?

Yes, time has come for well-meaning Nigerians to begin to ask proper questions. The change we desire requires constructive engagement. So this particular question has become necessary because change can be for good or for bad. What with the fuel crisis that threatened to shut down the nation! What with mega corporations carrying on as if it’s business as usual! There is still work to be done.

This is why all hands must be on deck. Everybody must get ready to make a contribution to ensure the change we crave for happens in Nigeria. Citizens, individual and corporate, must put on their thinking cap to come up with ideas that can help Nigeria take its pride of place among the comity of nations. Competitors must take a cue from the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan and commend the opposition when they score a good point. That is the mode that Nigeria has to go into to make the most of emerging opportunities.

Rivalry must be healthy in life and in business. The law must rule over men, not men over the law. For instance, the telecommunications segment tended to make itself a bad example lately with two rivals going head-to-head on 11 kobo per second billing. It has taken the regulator to try to restore sanity.

This must concern Nigerians as it is certain that I am not the only one to have noticed that MTN recently deployed an unapproved product/service. So, while Nigerian citizens are marching towards change, the mega corporations that wield influence in business and society might just be foot-dragging, probably relishing in their comfort with the old order. But this cannot be. Opacity will only aid deceptive people score high, while transparency would checkmate deception and enthrone straightforwardness. Nigerians voted for transparency. We must therefore insist on it in every area of endeavour.

Those in authority, existing and to be sworn in or appointed, must come with the mindset of equity. All must come with clean hands. We are looking forward to an egalitarian Nigerian society. This is what will encourage investment, both local and global. No one wants to invest in a climate of uncertainties, where great ideas would be cloned at the snap of the finger and the originator would have no backing of the law.

It is worrisome that a company that boasts of making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s internally generated revenue through tax payment could launch a service without approval of industry regulators, the Nigerian Communications Commission. It is commendable, though, that the NCC has moved to prove itself in charge of the situation by calling MTN to order through a press statement, but it remains grievous that the operator and a segment of the media would have none of that. Are we in a state of anarchy?

It is illegal to launch a product or service in a regulated industry without the approval of the regulators, but it becomes an affront when even with a formal statement calling the operator to order, the instruction is not heeded. Could it be that MTN considers itself above the law? Could it be that the NCC has not communicated its instruction properly?

Whatever the situation might be, Nigerians are in the mood for change, positive change at that, and no one, be it a regulator or an operator in any segment, should make an attempt to spoil the party. So I expect the NCC to assert its authority and make a good example of this situation, else other operators will follow suit and it will do the industry no good.

Over 10 years ago MTN claimed that per second billing was not possible in Nigeria, but as soon Globacom availed Nigerians of the privilege of per second billing, MTN quickly deployed the same service it claimed was impossible. After a long time of doing business in Nigeria, with its business being by all standards successful, it is an irony that it has taken the innovation of the latest entrant, Etisalat Nigeria, to avail Nigerians of the chance to talk at 11 kobo per second. And now, MTN seems to be latching on it – perhaps illegally.

Could it be that MTN wants to use its dominant player status to frustrate the offering of value by other players? My take is that the NCC should thoroughly investigate this and mete out necessary sanctions, else such anomalies would continue. It can only ignite anarchy if other players consider that the regulator cannot control the industry.

Edozie Chukwuka