Dinesh Balsingh: Airtel CEO hikes Tariff plans

Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive, Dinesh Balsingh, has pointed out that the tariff hike by telecom companies is unavoidable, driven by the significant rise in their operating expenses. He observed that the country’s harsh economic realities have triggered a 300% jump in operational expenses for telecom companies, making price adjustments vital to uphold the stability of the sector.

"Tariffs have remained static for over a decade, even with the sharp rise in operating costs, which have escalated by more than 300% in just the past 18 to 24 months," he noted.

Balsingh underlined that, to keep offering excellent services and address the growing demand for digital connectivity, it is vital to adjust pricing in line with the existing economic landscape.

The CEO of Airtel also noted that the growing demand for digital services in areas like education, banking, and healthcare demands continuous upgrades to the network. He explained that these enhancements, aimed at improving capacity and service quality, make tariff hikes unavoidable.

Balsingh clarified that the expanding demand for digital services drives the need for ongoing network improvements, with associated costs that must be shared equitably to maintain the sector's long-term stability.

He further mentioned that these changes will facilitate greater coverage, enhance network security, and introduce cutting-edge technologies, all of which will significantly improve connectivity for Nigerians. "Our aim is to ensure that no one is excluded from the nation’s digital transformation," he affirmed.

Balsingh, Despite this, acknowledged the economic pressures on many customers and proposed that tariff increases be rolled out progressively to reduce the burden. "While tariff revisions are crucial, we recognize the importance of a phased approach to assist our customers' financial welfare," he remarked.

He explained that this step-by-step approach will allow for continuous investment in network capacity, extended coverage, and enhanced service delivery, keeping Nigeria competitive on the global digital stage.