MTN, Etisalat Comply With NCC ‘Do Not Disturb’ Portal Order, What About the Others?

Recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued a regulatory edict that barred Mobile Number Operators (MNOs) from sending out unsolicited text messages to their subscribers, the edict also required them to set up a portal with shortcode “2442” for subscribers to opt-in to the “Do Not Disturb” (DND) database to avoid unsolicited marketing messages.

According to the NCC, this resulted from a long history of complaints about the menace of unsolicited text messages and calls from MNOs, which is said to have impacted negatively on consumer quality experience in the telecoms industry. And, the move was met with great anticipation and a sigh of relief; especially for us, the consumers of the service.

The order is three-pronged. The first part is that the 13 MNOs were given a June 30th deadline to set up the DND portals which should allow for either full or partial opt-outs, and stop sending unsolicited short messages and making unsolicited calls to subscribers or face a N5 million Naira fine for non-compliance. The second part is that the MNOs will comply with the 8am to 8pm time frame for customers that choose to continue receiving messages (solicited)

The third part entails that the MNOs create sufficient awareness for its subscribers on the existence of the DND on their networks as well as comply with the quarterly and reporting template.

Recall that a total of 13 Operators have been issued with the directive. These include: MTN, Airtel, Smile, Etisalat, Globacom and Visafone. Others are Starcomms, Megatech Engineering Limited, Gicell Wireless Limited, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel, Multilinks and Natcom.

So far, there are indications that some of the 13 MNOs have created the DND portals. Some websites offer short codes and tips on how to enjoy the DND service. As it stands, MTN and Etisalat are the only networks that have made press releases about the service, the promotion of the portal on their networks is yet to begin.

For instance, Etisalat Nigeria, has introduced its ‘Do-not-Disturb’ (DND) portal that enables customers on its network to opt-out completely or partially from receiving unsolicited marketing text messages and calls. According to a statement by Etisalat, subscribers on the network can  access the DND service by sending ‘STOP’ to 2442 to stop receiving any form of messages. They also have the option of choosing a partial DND service which will allow them to select specified class of messages that are of interest to them such as Sports, Religion, Health, etc.

The publicity for the new service has been limited to a handful of platforms; no text messages, no jingles, no skits and no direct calls. The network providers have been careful to obey the order to the extent where it soothes them. At least they can avoid the big hammer like the MTN fine, while they still enjoy the window to rip unsuspecting consumers.

The big question then is: When will the other 11 MNOs comply? Is this just going to be another regulatory stunt? The subscribers – like me, are anxious for a reprieve.

OJPals, what do you think? Sound off below!

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Email: olumidejohnson.blogs@gmail.com