Here are Airtel’s new data plan prices

Airtel Nigeria has joined MTN Nigeria to raise call and internet plans by 50 percent one week after MTN Nigeria implemented a similar hike.

This is part of telecom operators’ upward review of prices following the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approval of a 50 percent tariff hike in the industry. Under this new pricing regime, Airtel has replaced its cheapest monthly data plan of 1.2GB plan for N1,000 with 2GB for N1,500.

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Other changes include 3GB for N2,000 (from 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (formerly 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000). Other adjustments include 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB at N5,000).

Call rates have been bumped up to 25 kobo per second from about 18 lobo per second. Like MTN, Airtel has left some tariff plans untouched. For instance, the 5GB plan/week for N1,500 remains unchanged.

This hike in tariff is meant to support “the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.”

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However, experts have noted that it may further strain consumers’ pockets. According to Bismarck Rewane, chief executive officer of Financial Derivatives Company, the hike promises to benefit operators but will put additional strain on consumers’ pockets, possibly “resulting in reduced usage from consumers.”