Infotech
Consumer Protection: NCC Takes Steps to Curb Data Depletion, Wrong Deductions
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has tightened the noose against cases of data depletion and wrong deductions of consumers’ credit through an ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Commission to ensure maximum protection for consumers.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this when he received Man of the Year 2020 Award from MoneyReport magazine recently in Abuja.
The EVC said while consumer protection remains a key focus area of the Commission’s regulatory activities, it has accomplished significant improvements in this direction through various initiatives aimed at putting mobile operators on their toes to be more consumer-centric.
He said through the ongoing forensic audit, the Commission plans “to get to the bottom of why consumers are experiencing data depletion and the possibility of compensating them for wrong deductions, which may arise from short message service (SMS).”
“We have instituted and we have insisted that despite the fall in data price, that forensic audit must go on and must be concluded and the outcome communicated to the CEOs of telecom companies”, Danbatta said.
While appealing to Nigerians to wait for the outcome of the ongoing forensic audit, Danbatta said operators will be made to comply with whatever directions are given after the investigation with a view to ensuring maximum protection for telecom consumers.
He, however, noted that the Commission has developed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on data depletion, which are designed to inform consumers on activities that may result in faster depletion of their data as well as enlighten them on measures to mitigate such. The FAQs are accessible from the Commission’s website.
Over the years, the NCC has given boost to consumer protection empowerment through sustained awareness creation and education on consumer rights and privileges. It was for this reason that the Commission declared the year 2016 as the ‘Year of the Consumer’ with elaborate programmes to further underscore the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, information and education. The Commission has intensified its compliance monitoring exercises with the acquisition of efficient tools and capacities to bring sanity in the industry all in a bid to improve the quality of consumer experience.
Among several initiatives, Danbatta said the introduction of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) has helped over 30 million consumers to block unsolicited text messages on their phones while stern regulatory actions are constantly taken by the regulator against any operator that prevents a consumer from subscribing to the DND service.
Also, the EVC said the Commission launched the 622 Toll-free Number, which consumer can use to lodge and escalate service-related complaints to the Commission for resolution, stating that thousands of complaints have been successfully resolved since its introduction.
He further restated the commitment of NCC to the protection and empowerment of telecom consumers using the over 208 million active telephone lines in the country, as according to him, consumers remain critical stakeholders in the Nigerian telecommunications sector and so must be adequately protected to ensure sustainability.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has paid glowing tributes to the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr. for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria and the economy in general.
Speaking in his office in Ado Ekiti when he received the Public Sector team from Globacom on Monday, the Governor also commended him for Globacom’s positive impact in the telecommunication industry, describing the company as the leader in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
“Globacom is our own and a good ambassador of this country as far as telecommunications services are concerned,” said Governor Oyebanji who also added that the Ekiti State Government would be delighted to do business with the company.
He promised that the state would be ready to partner with Globacom, especially in the areas of building a digital economy, fibre connectivity services to take the state to greater heights and in youth empowerment.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the Glo team, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi, said that Glo pioneered revolutionary changes in the telecommunications industry for the benefit and empowerment of Nigerians in the last two decades.
He explained that the company was the largest integrated telecommunications service provider in Nigeria, servicing enterprises, large corporates, public sector organisations, SMEs and millions of individuals all over Nigeria as well as a total digital solutions
Infotech
Enugu: Galaxy Backbone to deliver internet connectivity across 265 schools, data centre services
Galaxy Back bone Limited is set to deliver Internet connectivity across 265 schools and provide data centre services in Enugu.
This was disclosed during a visit by the Galaxy Backbone Limited team led by Hon. Olusegun Olulade, Executive Director, Customer Centricity and Marketing to the Enugu state Governor, Peter Mbah at the Governor’s Office in Lion Building, Enugu.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah expressed his gratitude and optimism regarding the partnership, stating, “It was indeed my pleasure to meet you and your team this evening at my office. Thank you most sincerely for your kind words and expression of support. I look forward to collaborating with Galaxy Backbone in areas that are necessary to achieve our common goals.”
The meeting was attended by key officials from both the Enugu State Government and Galaxy Backbone Limited. Present from the state government were: Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Special Adviser on Governor’s Delivery Unit, Mr. Ozurumba Afigbo; and Special Adviser on ICT Mr. Nnaemeka Ani.
Representing Galaxy Backbone were: Acting Regional Coordinator for South East and South South, Mr. Henry Akubue; Head of Solution Design, Engr Udochi Ododo; and Admin for South East and South South, Mr. Obinna Ifenze.
Hon. Segun Olulade commended Governor Peter Mbah for his hospitality and the productive discussions that promise to drive significant advancements in the state’s ICT landscape.
Galaxy Backbone Limited, a premier ICT services provider in Nigeria, aims to foster connectivity and digital transformation across various sectors within the state.
The collaboration encompasses several critical areas, including the provision of connectivity in all 265 Smart Schools across 260 wards, 160 primary health centres, the Enugu State Secretariat, and the Lion Building.
Additionally, Galaxy Backbone will offer data centre and cloud services, alongside other ICT-related services as required by the state government.
For effective communication infrastructure in the Nigerian defence sector, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Momas Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited on Saturday (today) signed a partnership.
The partnership is to boost national security by aiding effective communication in the defence sector.
It would also help build an effective database and improve data collection for national security.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, noted that Momas-EPAIL has invested in Nigeria towards developing local content in power, defence and other sectors.
The event, which took place on Saturday at the company’s factory in Mowe, Ogun State, had in attendance, officials from both organisations.
Egerton-Idehen applauded MOMAS-EPAIL for being innovative about improving national security.
Urging other indigenous companies to partner with NIGCOMSAT for an effective server communication network, Egerton-Idehen said security remained paramount to the country at the moment.
Egerton-Idehen spoke, “Today is very historic because it’s the signing of a partnership between NIGCOMSAT and Momas-EPAIL. Most people do not know that Momas-EPAIL is involved in the manufacturing of defence materials for security.
“And NIGCOMSAT is the premier satellite communication company for Nigeria. So, there is value in collaborating in helping our defence sector.”
The NIGCOMSAT boss said the company was committed to serving Nigeria through Nigerians, adding that there was the need to protect, create value and embrace innovations in the defence sector.
She added that NIGCOMSAT, a Nigerian server communication company and Momas-EPAIL would bring value to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Momas-EPAIL, Mr Kola Balogun, said the partnership with NIGCOMSAT would build an effective database and improve data collection for national security.
Balogun said that the firm had developed strong knowledge-based information that would protect the security network.
He disclosed that the company had grown remarkably in providing armoured vehicles and some classical operational materials.
Balogun noted that building a synergy with NIGCOMSAT would enhance group communication infrastructure and also enhance frontline operations.
According to him, the MoU would serve as a tool for exchanging information in security, intelligence and communication with lots of classified information.
“All the vital information has to be embedded in the agreement such that information that is important to the security of Nigeria can be saved and domesticated.
“This will further enhance our services and effectiveness towards service delivery to the defence sector,” he said.
EPAIL is a subsidiary of the MOMAS Group of Companies, a manufacturing facility in Nigeria dedicated to producing bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and other defense-related equipment.
MOMAS also produces electricity meters locally.
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