The Nigerian Communications Commission, has directed telecoms operators to activate the ‘Do not disturb’ facility, which gives subscribers the freedom to choose what messages they receive from the various networks.
The NCC on Sunday, further mandated the operators to dedicate a common short code (2442), which would enable subscribers to take informed decisions.
According to the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the action was taken in order to protect subscribers from the pains of unsolicited texts messages, which he described as a direct regulatory response to their yearnings.
The commission then invoked a regulatory provision, which had hitherto been overlooked by the operators.
Ojobo said, “Taking cognizance of the broad range of services, which include banking, insurance, financial products, real estate, education and health, the commission directed the operators to give the necessary instructions and clarifications that will enable subscribers to subscribe to a particular service or none at all.
He, however, clarified that the decision of the commission would not affect personal messages, or person-to-person messages.
He urged the operators to comply with the directive issued by the commission and should never again harass subscribers with unwanted messages.
