The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has granted an extension to Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to find permanent solution to the trend of illegal data deductions and high cost of data.
According to the minister, this extension was granted with the understanding that the commission will resolve these issues within the shortest time possible.
The minister assures the general public that the current administration will neither tolerate acts of injustice nor the shortchanging of its citizens as it is will ensure that subscribers get full value for their money.
Following the five day ultimatum issued by the minister on the 5th of November 2019, NCC Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) in a letter to the minister on the 8th of November 2019, stated that steps are been taken to stem the tide of short changing subscribers by Mobile Network Operators.
The NCC boss said the commission had issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on the attendant penalties associated with Automatic Renewal and Forceful Subscription to Data and Value Added Services. Adding that, the penalties include considerable financial sanctions on the erring operator.
He said that in response to the directive, the commission reviewed the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 on its rule-making powers and process and 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.
NCC assured the minister that it would enforce the federal government directive and requested the minister to extend the deadline which expires on the 8th November 2019, “to enable it properly re-strategise and fully implement long term solutions to the challenges.”
