The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into the activities of private Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country. This is with the view to ascertain the allegation of extortion of consumers by the service providers.
This is coming on the heels of adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Thursday by Leke Abejide.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker stated that numerous ISPs in the country have managed to evade accountability for their widespread inefficiency, feeble and inferior service delivery. While consumers are compelled to persistently pay for inadequate services. And this is due to the apparent absence of regulations governing their pricing and service provision. And as a consequence, Nigerian consumers are exploited.
Abejide maintained that the inefficiency of ISPs and their exploitative practices have far-reaching consequences on Nigerian society. This, he said, hinders progress and negatively impacts on business and economic activities.
The lawmaker, however, pointed that by addressing the inefficiencies of ISPs and promoting accountability, Government could create a fair and inclusive digital landscape. That empowers individuals, strengthens the economy, and fosters social cohesion.
Abejide also added that frequent service outages, slow speeds, and inconsistent connectivity are widespread issues consumers face on daily bases. He stated that in this digital age, efficient Internet connection is a necessity, not a luxury.
The lawmaker noted that Legend, an ISP operating in Abuja, charges its subscribers a flat monthly prepaid rate. And this is despite knowing that its services are frequently interrupted.
He stated: “For example, this company offers various tariff rates. With the highest being approximately 483, 000 per month. Yet it rarely delivers uninterrupted service for even half of the month.
Abejide expressed concern that Legend ISP deliberately provides reliable internet service only few days preceding monthly billing. Deceiving customers into renewing subscriptions under the false impression of satisfactory performance. And after this, immediately reverting to its persistently inadequate service levels. Presenting an unethical business model of exploitation of consumers that requires accountability to regulators.
After his motion, the House called on the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and relevant agencies to develop a consumer protection framework. The House maintained that this must include provisions for automatic compensation or refunds for prolonged service outages. Or significant deviations from advertised service levels.
The House also urged the NCC to initiate a policy of ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ to all ISPs. This is in order to minimize high level of exploitations by ISPs for services not rendered.
