Connect with us

Telecom

NCC May Sanction Telcos for Flouting Ban on SIM Card Sell

Published

on

Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communications Technology
Kindly share this post

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has warned is will not spare more any telecom operator flouting its directive to suspend SIM card sells, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.

NCC had upon imposing a N647.5million sanction on three major network service providers, Airtel, Globacom and MTN Nigeria Limited for failing to meet the key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality of service in the month of January 2014, directed that they suspend SIM card sells.

Speaking on the allegation that the operators might have continued the normal SIM card business, Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi, executive commissioner, Stakeholders Management at NCC, told journalist in Lagos at the Cyber Forum 2014, that the Commission’s resolve to impose fines on the telcos was a means putting them on notice about the dissatified nature of the quality of service.

He disclosed that the ban handed over to the operators within the month of March 2014 has not been put-off hence they are yet to meet the expected KPIs.

Itanyi said: “Basically, the fines are to put the operators on notice that we are not happy with the standards of service they are giving to Nigerians. We have key performance indicators and whenever they fall short of expectation we have to sanction them.

“One of the ways of the sanctions is by putting fines. It’s not the best way to sanction, but a way to put them on notice.

“We are also talking with the operators to find ways to improve on the infrastructures that they have, because part of the problems is that their networks cannot carry the traffic they generate”.

When asked about operators flouting the directive to suspend SIM card sells, the EC said, “We stopped MTN, Globacom & Airtel from selling SIM cards.

“The enforcement was for a month. Well, if they are selling, it is something that they doing in negligence to our instruction. It’s something they we sanction any of them for. It was for a month, we extended it and have not lifted it”.

Apart from banning the operstors from selling SIM carsa, the Commission had barred them also from any form of promotions in their networks until they improve on the failed indicators which include call setup success rate, drop call rate and signaling congestion.

During the imposition of the sanction Mr. Tony Ojobo, director, Corporate Affairs at NCC, said that the Commission was lately compelled to impose sanctions of over N600 million on three network operators following their failure to meet key performance indicators resulting to declining quality of service and a shortchange of consumers.

Mr Ojobo explained that these sanctions are right on the heels of a previous sanction on the network operators in 2012 and a directive by the NCC for a progressive improvement with a deadline of 31st of December 2013 for key performance indicators to be met failure to which stringent measures will follow.

He added that an audit of the defaulting companies will be carried out in March.

Ojobo also stated that the compliance monitoring and enforcement department of the commission is monitoring the networks to ensure strict compliance warning that any deviation or alteration of provisioning pattern in the period before the sanctions are enforced will be considered a breach of the  Commission’s directive.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian telecommunications market has been adjudged one of the fastest growing markets in Africa with almost 120 million mobile phones users but the services of the telecoms company have dwindled in recent times.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending