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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday issued a final one-week ultimatum for the telecommunications network operators to put a stop to all unsolicited messages or face sanctions.
The commission said it was worried by the non-compliance by the operators, resulting in a deluge of complaints by subscribers nationwide.
NCC said: “After several meetings, including those held with the network providers, it became necessary to issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and phone calls for telemarketing via the various networks,” NCC Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said.
He listed the affected network operators to include Airtel Network Limited, MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Limited and Gicell wireless.
He explained that NCC had written to all the 13 networks providers on whose networks it received a series of complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of the “Do Not Disturb (DND)” service.
Mr. Ojobo said the Commission had engaged mobile network operators on the subject and directed that the phrase ‘MTN generated SMS’ referred to part(d) of the duration issued on April 20, to MTN and other network providers shall be taken to mean messages and calls with respect to only information on emergencies.
He cited the example of national security, fire, notifications on network maintenance programmes down times and notification regarding subscribers bundle usage and service renewals.
Other text messages and voice calls informing subscribers of new products and service offerings were not regarded as network generated and therefore regarded as “unsolicited marketing messages”.
According to him, NCC asked the affected network providers to ensure information on the “Do Not Disturb” service should be disseminated after every revenue generating activity via the end of call notification (EOCN) for the period not less than 45 days within the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily from the receipt of the latest letter on the subject.
He said: “Failure to comply with the directives, in furtherance of the Direction of April 20, 2016, within seven daysfrom November 14, 2016 shall result in the imposition of appropriate sanctions.”
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