NCC fines telecos for violating regulation

The Nigerian Communications Commission has fined four major network operators in the country a total of $205 394,40 for various infractions.

The NCC had in 2018 highlighted some non-compliance by the network providers ‘such as the routing of a minimum of 10 per cent of interconnect traffic through interconnect exchange licensees; quality of service; approval.

The fine, however, is basically for SIM registration infractions, unapproved promos and advertisements, and failure to provide information on collapsed towers.

The NCC consequently placed a fine of $166 536,00 and gave them a deadline of September 14, 2018 to pay.

The report indicates that MTN was asked to pay $13 878,00; Airtel $55 512,00; Glo $83 268,00; and 9mobile $13 878,00.

The telecoms regulator had instructed operators to stop registering SIM cards under umbrellas, kiosks or other uncontrolled environments in 2017.

Additionally, 9mobile got a total fine of $11 102,40 for two different promotions – My 9mobile App and ZTE MF910 4 G Mi-Fi promotions – both of which were unapproved by the commission.

Globacom was also fined $5 551,20 for an unapproved advert tagged ‘Enjoy non-stop browsing this season of love.’ For its ‘E-Top-Up 8X Bonus’ promo, the NCC, noting that it was not approved and violated the floor price, fined the company a total of $11 102,40 for the two infractions.

Globacom was also fined $5 551,20 for its failure to provide information regarding its collapsed masts in two sites situated in Jalingo, Taraba State.

MTN was fined $5 551,20 for not seeking regulatory approval for its ‘Yafun Yafun SIM’ promotion.

Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko
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