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Subscribers Berate NCC, Operators over Billing Irregularities

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Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik GCEO
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 Displeased telecommunications subscribers have accused the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of taciturnity and lacking the will to enforce its directive that telecom operators in the country to provide instant Short Message Service (SMS) to phone users at the end of every transaction.

NCC issued the directive in a bid to curb subscriber complaints over billing irregularities.

But weeks after the directive, deluge of complaints have persisted as telcos make haste slowly to provide full details of the cost of each call, and the credit balance available to the subscriber.

The Commission however said it was committed to ensuring that the directive is fully implemented by all the telcos.

But Mayowa Olubudun, a telecom consumer said that “it is very frustrating, NCC just came out and barked and they are not biting”

“I have all the GSM networks and despite the directives to telecoms providers to show the cost of each transaction undertaken by subscribers, none of them have sent me a single text on my balance” Olubudun said.

Peter Jack-Dagogo, another subscriber said that “in particular I have noticed that MTN sometimes will deduct severally the cost of a single text sent once”

Olisa Obiakor a subscriber of Glo, said he was surprised that Glo is also yet to implement the directive.

“I use Glo and I do not receive any SMS after my calls or SMS, NCC should make them obey them” Obiakor added.

Tony Ojobo, director, Public Affairs, NCC, said that the Commission is committed to ensuring that the directive is fully implemented by all the telcos.

Ojobo advised any subscriber whose network operator has not started sending him or her cost of calls or SMSes to notify NCC through its help desk- 0800CALLNCC.

He promised that the Commission will give such complain the deserved attention it requires.

It would be recalled that the NCC had recently directed operators in the country to provide instant Short Message Service (SMS) to phone users at the end of every transaction

This service which the regulator says is free to all subscribers is with effect from this month, attracts a fine of N5, 000, 000 million against any operator that fails to offer the service a further sum of N500, 000 million per day as long as the contravention persists.

The Commission in a directive issued last August mandated “that from November 1, 2012, all mobile operators shall send, free of charge, a message or an alert to both postpaid and prepaid subscribers after every call, SMS, or system generated charge or tariff, with a proviso that a subscriber can opt out if he or she so wishes”.

The order mandates operators to send messages containing six critical information including: exact duration of call minutes and seconds, total cost for each call or SMS; customer accounts balance after the last call and SMS for prepaid customers; customer account balance after a charge or tariff and the reason for the charge or tariff; cumulative call charges up to the last call within the charging period for postpaid customers; cost of services and credit balance upon request by customer for data service.

NCC opined that the recent development is in line with the provisions of Section 53(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

“This direction is a response to one of the major concerns of the subscribers as it relates to the actual amounts deducted from their credit balances by the service providers for each call or SMS sent”, the Commission added.

With this service, subscribers are empowered to promptly discover any anomaly in their bills, and will be able to prove if they are billed for calls that they did not make.


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NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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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.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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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.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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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.

 


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