It has been reported that telecos in Nigeria, organised under the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have waved away a N606.5 billion (approximately $3.7bn) demand for airtime compensation lodged by subscribers. The umbrella body representing subscribers, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), is said to be pushing the claim.
Subscribers are seeking compensation for alleged poor service quality over twelve years, according to weekend media reports.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo has been quoted in various publications, including National Mirror and Nigeria Communications Week, as saying that NATCOMS is aware of the challenges being faced by mobile operators and that going to court would not represent a solution to the problem.
Adebayo has also reportedly stressed the need for telecom operators to keep their subscriber base informed should there be any issues with networks.
In June 2013 NATCOMS sought compensation from all GSM network operators of no less than N5000 for all subscribers.
The National Mirror has quoted NATCOMS President, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, when he spoke about the situation in December last year. He said, “It is a case we will pursue to logical conclusion. If possible, we will go to appeal and supreme courts. It is something we have to put right now. They must understand that subscribers must be given some form of palliatives when there is poor service. That is what we want to establish.’’
Chris Tredger – Online Editor
