The fear of a possible increase in the prices of telecoms tariffs has begun to grip many of the customers of telecoms operators in Lagos following the removal of subsidy on the price of PMS, also known as petrol.

Those who spoke with IT and Telecoms said companies and individuals would like to use telecoms services such as the Internet and voice calls as a way of cutting down on their transport expenses but feared that since prices of other services and products have shot up as a result of the current situation, telecoms tariffs may not be an exemption.

They also expressed fear that some services being offered by the operators might also be shut down.

However, there is yet to be any information in that direction from any of the telecoms operators or their regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commis-sion (NCC).

Last week, in a short statement, Mr Tony Ojoboh, Executive Director, Public Affairs, NCC, described as unfounded rumour that the NCC at a meeting with CEOs of telecommunications networks had agreed to shutdown Blackberry services in order to deny Nigerians the use of that very important social network.

“The management hereby states categorically that there was never such a meeting held, nor was there ever a resolution to shut down Blackberry services. The public is advised to disregard such information,” he said.

The commission also enjoined the network operators to continue to provide all telecommuni-cations services, including Blackberry services, without failure.

Furthermore, Airtel Nigeria has told its customers that it has no plan to shut down its Blackberry services or any other service.

Mr Deepak Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Airtel Networks Limited, said “we have not received any instruction from any quarter to shut down our Blackberry services. We will continue to offer service to all our customers.

“Indeed, we remain committed to offering innovative services and also empowering more Nigerians to connect with friends, family members and business associates”, he stated, encouraging Airtel’s customers to take advantage of its new Blackberry packages/offers.

He gave assurances that “Airtel is very passionate about realising its vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians and will continue to enrich Nigerians with world-class telecommuni-cations services including Blackberry services.”