NCC bans promos, lotteries by telecoms operators

In line with its statutory responsibility of protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unfair practices, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday banned all promotions and lotteries by telecommunications network operators in the country. 

The ban, according to the telecoms regulator, covers all proposed and approved promotions and lotteries on which the commission has given approval further to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

The mobile network operators affected by the ban include Globacom Limited, MTN Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria, Visafone Communications Limited, Etisalat Nigeria, Airtel Networks Limited, and Multilinks Telecoms Limited.

In recent times, there have been several complaints from consumers and industry stakeholders against the various promotions offered by telecoms networks.

“Consistent with its processes, the commission has carefully evaluated the complaints received especially against the backdrop of sustaining the integrity of the networks, the general interest of the consumers, the socio-economic impact of these promotions on operators and other relevant stakeholders”, said Tony Ojobo, director, public affairs of NCC in a statement accessed by BusinessDay on Monday.

These promotions, according to the commission, have increased the number of minutes available to subscribers for use within a limited period of time.

This, according to him, has created severe congestion on the networks as telecoms subscribers try to use up the available minutes within the stipulated period. “On-net calls were now being offered by operators at tariffs well below the prevailing interconnects rates thereby introducing anti-competitive practices and behaviour. Termination of calls were becoming increasingly difficult from one network to another and overall consumer experience on the networks has become very poor thereby making it extremely difficult for subscribers to make calls successfully”, he said.

In view of this, this ban is with immediate effect, according to him, and “shall continue to remain in force until such a time as may be determined by the commission”.

The NCC has assured telecoms consumers of its determination to ensure that the quality of service (QoS) offered across all networks are such that delivers value to Nigerians.