NCC to Prosecute Telemarketers, Releases Guide to Stop Unwanted Messages on MTN, Glo, Airtel Others

• The NCC has released a guide to telecom subscribers in Nigeria on how to stop unsolicited messages and calls
• This is as the commission sent a note of warning to companies with applications illegally obtaining Nigerians' phone numbers
• The commission warned that it will arrest and prosecute companies involved in the act for commercial activities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released guidelines to help telecommunication subscribers block unwanted messages and calls from telemarketers.

The commission also announced ongoing efforts to crack down on telemarketers illegally accessing the phone numbers of Nigerians for their commercial activities and gains.

This was disclosed in a public notice signed by Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, obtained by Legit.ng.

NCC to prosecute telemarketers

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In the notice, the commission warned that no service provider or telemarketer is authorised to access, harvest, or utilise subscriber data without the express consent of the consumer.

NCC message reads:

"The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to the criminal activities of telemarketers who illegally access the telephone numbers of telecom subscribers for their commercial activities and gains.

“These telemarketers also falsely claim that they obtain telecom consumers’ phone numbers from the Nigerian Communications Commission. Otherwise, they claim that the Commission gave them access to the numbers through the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Database. These claims are not true.

“The Commission fully abides by the principles and rules guiding the protection of privacy as a right of all consumers and users of telecommunications services.

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"Therefore, no service provider or telemarketer is authorised to invade, harvest, or use subscriber data in any form or guise without the express approval of the consumer, except otherwise provided by law."

NCC further stressed that the rights of telecom subscribers' data are enshrined in the constitution.

“The protection of the data of telecom subscribers by the Commission is guaranteed in Section 35 (1) of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2007; Section 9 (1) of the Nigerian Communications (Registration of Communications Subscribers) Regulations, 2022; and Section 4.2 (a) &< (b) of the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice.

“Therefore, any telemarketer involved in harvesting telecom subscribers’ phone numbers and other personal details through dishonest means and using such for commercial purposes without regulatory approval is hereby strongly warned to desist from this illegal act, as anyone found guilty shall be arrested and prosecuted in keeping with the law.”

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How to block unwanted calls and message

NCC also provided a guide to Nigerians on how to block unwanted messages and calls.

"Telecom consumers are reminded to activate the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Short Code introduced by the NCC to manage their subscription to Value Added Services with the option to stop unsolicited text messages and other telemarketing offers. This can be done by sending 'STOP' to 2442 Short Code for FULL DND.

Telecom consumers who observe such illegal activities by telemarketers are also encouraged to report such cases to the Commission by calling the NCC Toll-Free Number 622 for necessary enforcement actions."

NCC confirms no telecom tariff hike ahead

In a similar report, the Nigeria Communications Commission has said Nigerians should rest assured as there will be no increase in rate anytime soon.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC said some processes need to be followed if there will be a hike in price.

He said the loss of subsidies is why the commission has yet to implement any hike in rate for now.

Source: Legit.ng