Telecommunications companies in Nigeria have urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to seek alternative disciplinary measures other than fines.

Speaking through their umbrella body, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the operators say fines slammed on them by the regulator are impacting their businesses.

According to ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, the NCC should exercise more flexibility when it comes to issues affecting the industry.

"Operators suffered from harsh regulatory environment in 2016. Rather than imposing huge fines that are capable of grounding telecoms business in the country, NCC should be more flexible. NCC must consider other means of disciplining the operators, rather than fine," Adebayo said.

He described the ecosystem as harsh for the operators in 2016 as a result of the numerous bottlenecks that still need to be dealt with - including delays with right of way permits, incessant closure of telecoms sites, harsh regulatory environment, and social environment effect.

"Should all these be addressed in 2017, the telecoms industry will excel exceedingly in 2017," Adebayo noted.