NCC Bars Service Provider From Sending Unsolicited Messages

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed the Value Added Service (VAS) providers to send all unsolicited messages on the networks between 8.00am and 8.00pm. The directive was contained in the `2013 2nd Quarter Enforcement Activities Report’ posted on the NCC Website. The regulatory body said that sending such messages or telemarketing on their networks, during the stipulated hours, was in line with existing guidelines. NCC also said that sticking to the stipulated period was necessary to ensure good service quality in the industry. The telecoms umpire said that there had been increased consumer complaints regarding unsolicited SMS from the VAS providers marketing their various services. “The commission has, therefore, developed a database of all VAS providers together with the Short-Codes used by them. “This is a strategy to ensure direct engagement and monitoring of the activities of each licensed VAS provider,” NCC said. NCC listed MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Upstream Ltd and Adnol Multimedia Ltd. as some of the service providers sending unsolicited messages. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports they also include Fun Mobile, Terragon Ltd, Rancard Mobility, Mtech Ltd, Elseji, Starfish Ltd, Next Generation Tele Solutions, One Communications Ltd., Cloud and Mobilexcetera. “Warning letters have been sent to all VAS providers, directing that all unsolicited messages or telemarketing activities within the networks could be done from 8.00am to 8.00pm,” the commission said. [NAN]