…Begs for more time
By Dele Ogbodo
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigeria Communications Communication (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has pleaded for extension of the deadline given the commission by the federal government through the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Mr. Ibrahim Pantami, to stop every illegal data deductions by telecommunication companies (Telcos).
The deadline given the commission to stop all illegal deductions and to also review the cost of data downward by all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) expired on November 8th.
Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, Spokesperson for the Minister, in a statement made available to the media over the week end, said NCC assured Pantami, that it has been working assiduously round the clock to enforce the federal government’s directives.
She said: “NCC has requested the good graces of the Minister to extend the deadline which expires today, 8th November 2019, to enable it properly re-strategise and fully implement long term solutions as directed, to the challenges.
“Following the 5 day ultimatum issued by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), to resolve the challenges of illegal data deductions and review the cost of data downward, the commission has risen up to the task and efforts are in top gear to carry out the Minister’s directives.
Uwa acknowledged that a letter from the EVC’s office weekend intimated Pantami of the strategies been taken to stem the tide of short changing subscribers by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
In its earlier attempts to tackle the challenges, she said, the commission informed the minister that it had issued a directive to all MNOs on the attendant penalties associated with automatic renewal and forceful subscription to data and Value Added Services (VAS)
According to her, the penalties include considerable financial sanctions on the erring operators.
“The letter stated that, in response to the directive of the Minister, the commission reviewed the NCC Act of 2003 on its rule-making powers and process.
“The commission is in the process of carrying out a study on the End-of-Session Notification for Data Services and depending on the outcome, may issue a direction in accordance with the Act.
“Furthermore, in a bid to protect consumers, the commission also notified the minister of their regulation of the initial directive to include refunds to the consumer in established cases of unauthorized subscription.” She added.
Pantami, Uwa added, has graciously granted an extension with the understanding that the commission will resolve these issues within the shortest time possible.