By Kabiru Haruna
The recent introduction of the End-User Billing (EUB) model for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services has sparked controversy, particularly with regards to failed transactions still attracting ₦6.98 charges.
This development has left many Nigerians frustrated, wondering why they’re being charged for unsuccessful transactions
Under the new framework, customers are charged ₦6.98 per 120 seconds for USSD sessions, with fees deducted directly from their airtime balance. While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have backed this move, many argue that it’s unfair to charge customers for failed transactions ¹.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has emphasized that billing will only occur for successful sessions, and double billing is explicitly ruled out ¹. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case, as many customers have reported being charged for unsuccessful transactions.
This issue has sparked calls for stakeholders to reconsider the deductions and revert to the old system. Many Nigerians feel that the current system is “sucking the blood of the masses” and creating unnecessary hardship ².
In light of these concerns, it’s essential for the NCC, CBN, and telecom operators to re-examine the USSD billing system and ensure that customers are not unfairly charged for failed transactions. Transparency and fairness must be prioritized to maintain trust and confidence in the USSD system.
Customers are being charged ₦6.98 for failed transactions, despite the NCC’s assurance that billing will only occur for successful sessions.
The current system lacks transparency, making it difficult for customers to understand why they’re being charged for failed transactions.The current system is creating unnecessary hardship for many Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Stakeholders should consider reverting to the old system, where banks were billed by telecom operators for USSD services.
The NCC, CBN, and telecom operators must improve transparency in the USSD billing system, ensuring that customers understand why they’re being charged for failed transactions.The current system must be revised to ensure that customers are not unfairly charged for failed transactions.
