The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it will sanction 13 telecommunications operators for failing to comply with the ‘2442 Do Not Disturb (DND)’ directive on unsolicited telemarketing. This was made known by Mr Tony Ojobo, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.
The directive, issued on April 20, 2016 gives telecom operators the right to send unsolicited text messages under the collocation ‘Network-Generated SMS’ with respect to only information on emergencies. However, the operators had been found guilty of sending marketing messages via the same channel resulting in ‘deluge of complaints by subscribers across Nigeria’.
As such the NCC deemed it fit to give a one-week ultimatum for the offenders to correct the problems or face sanctions. “After several meetings, including those it 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,’’ New Telegraph quotes Ajobo as saying.
Among the culprits who could be sanctioned are Airtel Network Ltd., MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi-Links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Ltd., Megatech Engineering Ltd. and Gicell Wireless.
“NCC has therefore, asked these network providers to ensure that information on the Do Not Disturb service should be disseminated after every revenue-generating activity via the End of Call Notification (EOCN).” Ajobo ordered.
