NCC mandates automatic compensation for poor telecom service starting April
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) – MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile – to automatically compensate subscribers for poor service quality starting April 2026. The compensation applies only where operators fail to meet Key Performance Indicators for Quality of Service (QoS), covering voice, data, and SMS failures. Affected subscribers don’t need to apply; operators must identify and pay them directly. Short, isolated interruptions may not qualify.
This matters because poor telecom service hurts productivity, commerce, and digital access. The NCC says the policy puts consumers at the center of Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem, complementing existing QoS monitoring. However, the Commission hasn’t disclosed which MNOs missed KPIs or which Local Government Areas are affected.
To qualify, you must have experienced poor service in an affected LGA and made at least one billed call, SMS, or data session during the relevant period. Both individuals and corporates are covered. Operators will handle identification and compensation automatically.
With compensation now automatic, will you actively monitor your network performance to verify payment, or rely on operators to reach out? If your provider consistently fails thresholds, does this change your loyalty or will you consider switching networks?