think every Nigerian can relate to this and it is about time NCC took the right step! According to a report by Leadership, NCC has said they would fine any operator found guilty of sending unsolicited messages or calls to its customers a sum of N5 million. NCC plans to sanction any telco that refuses to implement the shortcode of 2442 for subscribers to opt-in to the “Do Not Disturb” (DND) database restricting unsolicited marketing messages on or before the 30th of June. According to the report
NCC in a letter dated April 19, 2016 warned MTN, Airtel, Globacom, Etisalat, Smile, Natcoms (Ntel), Visafone, Starcomms, Multilinks, Gamjitel, Danjay Telecoms, Gicell Wireless Ltd and Megatech Engineering Ltd that they should implement the DND restricting telemarketing their MSISDNs including the use of web-based solutions as opt-out measures.
The regulator said it shall be mandatory for mobile operators to create sufficient awareness to its subscribers on the existence of the DND on their networks; that they shall also comply with the quarterly and reporting template prescribed by the NCC to ensure feedback and compliance.
Although, NCC has not completely abolished unsolicited messages as they have warned that generated SMS must comply with the 8am to 8pm stipulation (12 hour period), but subscribers now have the opportunity to easily opt-out of any messages they don’t want (Which is everything).
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