Revision To The USSD Pricing Model By The NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission ("NCC") on the 24th July 2020 issued the revised "Determination of USSD Pricing" ("revised Pricing Regulation")1. The revised Pricing Regulation specifically prohibits Mobile Network Operators ("Telcos") from charging customers directly for use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) sessions.

This revision is especially important in view of the controversy that occurred late last year. Recall sometime in October 2019 when MTN announced that it would start charging customers directly for (USSD) sessions. A backlash arose following that announcement, customers reaction was so intense that the Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami ordered the suspension of the plan, stating that the NCC was not aware of the USSD charge by MTN.