Anti-Competition: T2 decries alleged distortion of telecoms facts, disinformation about HIS and network operations

*The Management of T2 say they reject the misleading claims about the company’s network operations, stating the Telco remains ‘fully stable, fully supported, and entirely aligned with established industry models’, and its network continuity cum service delivery, and not dependent on IHS tower infrastructure

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

T2 (formerly 9mobile) has frowned on, and expressed concern over the recent wave of misinformation circulating online regarding the Nigerian telecoms company’s operational relationships, including those involving IHS, regarded as subtle anti-competition practices.

ConsumerConnect reports anti-competitive practices have been described as business, or government actions that “unfairly limit or destroy competition in a market, often harming consumers by leading to higher prices, lower quality, and less innovation.”

TD Africa shines at Schneider Electric Innovation Day, inks MoU for AI-powered data centres

The Mobile Network Operator (MNO), in a statement, said such misleading narratives, driven primarily by pseudo-analysts operating without any credible industry knowledge, grossly misrepresent how telecommunications networks function and deliberately distort the facts for attention and engagement.

T2 also said contrary to the misleading claims being circulated in the online media space, the company’s network continuity and service delivery are “not dependent on IHS tower infrastructure” in the manner suggested.

The telecoms firm further averred that the concerned commentators ignored, or were entirely unaware of the fundamental mechanics of National Roaming, a framework, which the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved.

According to T2, under the framework, telecoms operators seamlessly can leverage partner networks to ensure full coverage without reliance on their own base stations.

READ ALSO  Justice: How UNICAL Law Professor Bags 5-Year Imprisonment For Sexual Harassment

Dan Agbese, Media Icon And Co-Founder Of Newswatch, Dies At 81

Tinubu Lauds Super Eagles, Urges Team To Prepare For Victory At African Nations Cup

Besides, claims that T2 faces operational risks or service disruptions due to IHS infrastructure issues “are technically false, uninformed, and recklessly misleading.”

The Telco further clarified that the narrative being peddled online has created a false impression of instability, misleading the public, while mischaracterising the Nigerian telecoms industry’s dynamics.

It noted: “It is evident that these distortions go beyond mere misunderstanding.

“The consistent   inaccuracies and sensationalist framing suggest malicious intent, aiming to sow confusion rather than provide genuine analysis.”

The statement declared: “Self-proclaimed analysts should be held to a standard of accuracy, yet they’re publishing content without grasping telecoms operations, National Roaming, or infrastructure sharing implications.

T2 rejects these misrepresentations in their entirety.”

The network operator said: “Our operations remain fully stable, fully supported, and entirely aligned with established industry models.

“The attempt to link T2’s operational integrity to IHS-related narratives is nothing more than manufactured disinformation.”

The Telco said: “We urge the public and our stakeholders to disregard these false claims and rely exclusively on official communications from T2 or recognised industry authorities.

“As a responsible operator, we are committed to maintaining transparency and ensuring that the public receives accurate, technically verified information, free from the noise of uninformed commentary.”

The Management of the network operator stated: “T2 remains committed to its vision of being a leading digital lifestyle partner, delivering world-class connectivity that empowers Nigerians to achieve their ambitions.”

On anti-competition practices in Nigeria

Major anti-competition practices in Nigeria include cartels, price-fixing, bid rigging, and abuse of dominant market positions, which are addressed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through laws like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

It was gathered that other practices are market allocation, tied selling, and creating entry barriers.

All these activities restrict fair competition, and are usually investigated by top market regulators, such as the FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission in order to protect consumers and the West African country’s economy.

While the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is the primary body that investigates anti-competitive practices in the country, the NCC also has regulations to monitor and prevent anti-competitive behaviour in the communications sector of the Nigerian economy.

Both the NCC and FCCPC are two regulatory bodies in Nigeria that have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve collaboration and consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.

As the NCC remains the primary regulator for the communications industry, the FCCPC has the authority to investigate anti-competitive practices, focuses on fair competition, and ensure consumer welfare across all sectors.

The extant partnership between the two leading market regulatory Commissions aims to eliminate regulatory gaps, enhance efficiency, and ensure that consumers are protected from exploitative practices in the Nigerian economy.

Additional reporting by Alexander Davis.

Kindly Share This Story