Regulator threatens sanctions against telcos over unsolicited calls, SMS

folarin okunola

May 20, 2016 3:06 PM

Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC, gave the warning at the 77th Edition of the Telecoms Consumer Parliament in Abuja

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, NCC CEO/EVC

Media reports say the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday warned telecoms operators to desist from sending subscribers unsolicited text messages or risk severe sanctions, saying they have June 30, 2016 as deadline for total compliance.

Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC, gave the warning at the 77th Edition of the Telecoms Consumer Parliament in Abuja, saying that based on the general complaints of subscribers over unsolicited text messages, the Commission issued a directive to telecoms operators to dedicate a short code 2442, on their networks for use by subscribers to opt-in to a “Do- NOT-DISTURB” database to register their numbers against unsolicited text messages.

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Danbatta warned that if telecom operators fail to comply with this directive, there will be stiff sanctions.

Back in March, 2016, Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communications, held a meeting with Chief Executive Officers of telecoms operators in his office in Abuja where he warned the telcos to desist from sending unsolicited text messages through their networks, or face sanctions.

The minister also told the companies to stop under-declaring their revenue and profit, as this criminal act short-changes the government in its revenue generation.

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