The
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has run out of patience with
telecommunication operators over unsolicited messages to subscribers.
The commission on
Monday issued a final one-week ultimatum for the 13 telecom network operators
to put a stop to the messages or face sanctions.
NCC had on April 20
issued a “Do not disturb (DND)” directives to the 13 operators.
The commission said it
was worried by the non-compliance by the operators, resulting in a deluge of
complaints by subscribers nationwide.
Already, an
eight-member committee was recently constituted by the NCC to look into the
matter and come up with ways to bring an end to it.
“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.
Mr. Ojobo 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 said the 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.
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