Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are facing possible regulatory penalties as the Nigerian Communications Commission steps up enforcement over persistent concerns about poor network quality and customer experience.
The NCC has sent out advance notices to operators who it suspects of not meeting the required standards for the quality of service giving them a chance to improve before taking further steps.
The development follows increased monitoring of network performance, consumer protection obligations and key performance indicators set by the regulator.
The News Chronicle reports that operators may be required to defend their performance either during physical meetings in Abuja or through virtual engagements with NCC officials.
Industry stakeholders, however, have warned that sanctions alone may not solve the sector’s longstanding service problems. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria said network quality is also affected by infrastructure limitations and other operating challenges.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, says operators should be answerable for legitimate defaults but regulators should take care of the environment in which services are provided.
MTN Nigeria has warned customers against online fraudsters giving out free 25 Gigabytes (GB) data plan as a promotion for the telecoms firm’s 25th anniversary.
The company said customers should be wary of fake messages and links and always protect their personal information and utilise only the official MTN channels for any promotions.
