Telecom

GSMA to Address Spam and Fraudulent Messaging Threats for Consumers

Published

14 years ago

March 29, 2010

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The GSMA has announced that it is piloting a solution to address mobile messaging misuse caused by spam, which is a growing issue for consumers and mobile operators. The GSMA Spam Reporting Service will provide a worldwide clearinghouse of messaging threats and misuse which have been reported by mobile users. The GSMA Spam Reporting Service is in trials with leading operators including AT&T Mobility, Korea Telecom and SFR.
The GSMA Spam Reporting Service, which is operated on behalf of the GSMA by Cloudmark, Inc., will analyse SMS traffic and identify and aggregate reports of misuse submitted by mobile subscribers of participating networks via a short code. The short code ‘7726’, which spells “SPAM” on most phones, will be used where local national numbering plans permit, in conjunction with an additional code ‘33700’, a universally recognised simple code, to encourage consumers to report instances of SMS spam. With this reporting mechanism, consumers will be able to direct alleged spam to a responsive feedback system, which will acknowledge the report and inform their service providers so that appropriate action can be taken. This action can include investigations, warnings and blocking of senders who have been repeatedly reported by end users as sending unsolicited or fraudulent messages.
“The issue of mobile messaging misuse is a global, inter-operator problem and the GSMA Spam Reporting Service, along with other spam mitigation solutions such as spam filtering, is an important component of a comprehensive spam mitigation strategy for the industry,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, GSMA. “We have learnt from the online experience where spam is prolific and this service will enable mobile operators, mobile users and legitimate mobile marketers to take action as we work together to help users and their service providers to tackle mobile spam.”
Each mobile operator participating in the pilot will receive correlated reports with data on threats and misuse originated both within and outside of their network; these reports will include data on misuse patterns, volumes and top originators of spam, regionally and worldwide. The GSMA Spam Reporting Service is designed to help protect the entire mobile ecosystem against sophisticated and evolving messaging threats and misuse that could negatively impact the user experience, as well as available network resources.
“The threat of mobile spam and similar abuses is a global concern that deserves the collaboration of the industry in developing solutions,” said Scott McElroy, Vice President, Mobility Engineering and Development, AT&T. “This initiative is a positive step and we thank GSMA for spearheading the program.”
“We are pleased to be an early participant in GSMA’s global effort to stop messaging misuse,” said Tae-Sook HA, Vice President, Korea Telecom. “With the success of Korea’s national mobile spam reporting service, we believe the next logical step is for both mobile operators and mobile consumers to work together on a global level to defeat malicious mobile activity. The leadership and member strength of the GSMA makes them the best entity to drive the needed oversight in addressing the mobile spam issue.”
“In France, SMS spam is an issue we take very seriously and as such we have engaged in a national effort to protect our consumers against such behaviour,” said Richard Lalande, SFR’s Executive Vice President. “We are pleased that the GSMA is driving the issue of consumer protection to a global level. With the GSMA leading the efforts, this will ensure the needed privacy protection for customers’ peace of mind.”
The pilot service will be operated on behalf of the GSMA by Cloudmark, Inc., a global leader in carrier-grade messaging security. Cloudmark’s suite of carrier-grade security solutions provide the essential functions to simplify and advance the management of messaging abuse, increasing network utilisation and reducing infrastructure costs.

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Telecom

MoMo PSB, LSSBI Advisory Partner for Seamless Tax Payments

Published

1 day ago

August 31, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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MoMo PSB has announced a partnership with Leadership Strategy Sustainability Business Innovation (LSSBI) Advisory to enhance financial inclusion and streamline tax payments in Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Rivers states.

This collaboration introduces MoMo as the official payment platform for taxpayers, enabling easy and convenient payments via the USSD code *5229#.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek report that the partnership aims to boost compliance, drive revenue development, and promote financial autonomy for marginalised communities. Key stakeholders highlighted the significance of this collaboration in closing the financial gap and promoting economic growth.

With this initiative, MoMo PSB reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible and user-friendly financial services to all Nigerians, particularly the unbanked and underbanked populations.

The launch of the USSD code *5229# demonstrates MoMo PSB’s dedication to expanding financial inclusion and promoting digital payments.

Ekiti State officials lauded the partnership, commenting on the convenience of using the MoMo payment platform, while emphasising its potential to increase tax compliance and benefit local communities.

The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to empower citizens with financial autonomy, encourage saving, and promote responsible money management.

As the rollout begins in Ekiti, Rivers, and Nasarawa, MoMo PSB and LSSBI Advisory aim to expand the initiative nationwide, encouraging other states and private sector partners to explore similar collaborations, leveraging technology to improve access to financial services. This partnership marks a new era in tax payment solutions, prioritising efficiency, inclusivity, and financial empowerment for all Nigerians.

MoMo PSB, established in May 2022 as the fintech division of MTN, continues to focus on delivering user-friendly, accessible, and affordable financial services to both new and existing customers across Nigeria.

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Telecom

Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Globacom has unveiled a new device acquisition scheme to enable Nigerians own smartphones and pay conveniently over several months. The scheme is dubbed: “Buy Now, Pay Small Small” and is available in Gloworld shops across the country.

The scheme aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling individuals and businesses have access to the latest smartphones and devices more conveniently. This, Globacom claims, will make customers more connected and more productive.

A press statement released by Globacom explained that it is offering flexible payment options to its customers so they can acquire devices of their choice and spread the cost of these new devices over several months through instalment payments that is manageable for them.

The scheme has a wide range of smartphones and other smart devices from top brands that customers can chose from.

This device financing is available to all new and existing Glo customers who can avail the benefits of the programme when purchasing new devices from Gloworld stores across Nigeria.

Moreover, customers can choose from various payment plans to suit their budget, with tenures of up to six months and special interest rates on all flagship devices.

Globacom said customers who purchase devices under the programme will also be given a data bonus of 18GB for six months, adding that it is focused on customer satisfaction, through ensuring a convenient system of smartphone acquisition for Nigerians.

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Telecom

Here’s Your Last Chance to Secure Discounted Starlink Kits @ Konga

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Starlink Week at Konga, an exceptional opportunity to acquire reliable satellite internet at a significantly discounted price, ends tomorrow, Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that customers now have chance to secure a Starlink kit at an exceptional price and experience the transformative power of high-speed internet.

Throughout the week, Konga has been dedicated to making Starlink’s cutting-edge technology more accessible to Nigerians.

The e-commerce giant offered Starlink kits and accessories at reduced prices, along with perks that have made this offer hard to resist.

In addition to the unmatched prices, Konga included free nationwide delivery to ensure that customers from every corner of Nigeria benefited from this offer.

Konga also provided free same-day delivery in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, ensuring that customers can start enjoying their Starlink experience almost immediately.

As Starlink Week draws to a close, this is the final call for those who still need to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

The discounted prices, combined with the exceptional delivery options, represent a rare opportunity to invest in a technology that has revolutionized internet accessibility across the globe.

Konga’s Starlink Week has been more than just a promotional event; it has been a gateway to connectivity, offering Nigerians a reliable solution to their internet needs.

Starlink provides the service you need to stay connected wherever you are in Nigeria.

Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Visit Konga.com today or walk into any of Konga’s retail stores to secure your Starlink kit before the campaign ends.

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