The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued an amended Determination of Mobile (Voice) International Termination Rate (ITR) for implementation in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry effective from September 1, 2022.
The ITR for voice services paid for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria is now set at US$0.10, from the old rate of US$0.045.
In a statement Wednesday night in Abuja, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, noted that under the amended determination, the international carrier market has been classified into Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)/International Carriers and Small/Nigerian Transit Carriers/International Data Access (IDA) Operators to ensure a level playing field that recognizes the unique disposition and characteristics of genuine market participants.
According to him, The Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators shall terminate inbound international calls in the network of domestic operators at a discount of 21 per cent on the US$0.10.
He explained that in determining the ITR, the commission carefully considered information and insights from stakeholders at different meetings and fora, which reviewed the previous rate and the industry’s operating environment. This is in addition to the cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macroeconomic environment.
Moka noted that arriving at the ITR was conducted transparently to provide maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information.
He expressed confidence that the new ITR, the outcome of the various engagements, will significantly contribute to the development of the telecoms sector in Nigeria and benefit subscribers, operators, and the country at large.
Meanwhile, the Mobile Termination Rates of N3.90 (for Generic 2G/3G/4G Operators) and N4.70 (for new entrants – Long Term Evolution (LTE)/Small Operators determined in 2018) will continue to apply for local call terminations until the commission makes a new determination.
