For going against the ban on promotions and lotteries on their respective networks, the telecoms regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC Thursday slammed a total of N22 million fine on the four GSM operators including MTN, Globacom Limited, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Ltd (Etisalat) and Airtel.
The ban covered proposed and approved promotions and lotteries after the Commission was inundated with several complaints from consumers and stakeholders against various promotions in the various networks.
Accordingly, MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, is to pay N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) on account of five promotions at N2,000,000(Two Million Naira) for each promotion while Etisalat is to pay N6,000,000 (Six Million Naira) for three promotions in its network. Airtel is to pay N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) for running two promotions against the ban while Globacom will pay N2,000,000 ( Two Million) for one promotion.
The Sanctions were as a result of the following:
MTN were as a result of five promotions including, Free Airtime for MTN to MTN calls (8AM – 5PM), MTN to MTN SMS and free MB for Data. Dial *559#, Free N100.00 airtime for MTN to MTN calls, Airtime Bonus valid for life. Dial *559#, MTN Super Saver, get 500%, bonus valid till midnight. Dial *507# and Recharge with N100.00 today and get N500 FREE credit instantly. Hurry and recharge before January 22nd.
Etisalat, three promotions that attracted it sanctions will include buy a MIFI device and get 1GB free for six months, buy a router device and get 50 MB free data spread over four months and get 30% instant bonus on every plan subscription/renewal over 200MB.
Airtel is being sanctioned for two promotions including dongle and MIFI offerings and reverse auction service.
Globacom was penalized for engaging in one promotion of BUY Samsung Galaxy SIII, or Galaxy Note II and get free 500 MB on activation, and free 100MB X 6 Months.
The notice of the sanctions, signed by the Commission’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Services, Ms. Josephine Amuwa, said, “in the event of further non-compliance with the ban, and or refusal to pay the sanction amount within the stipulated time, the Commission shall have no other option than to impose stiffer penalties in accordance with the powers of the Commission, including but not limited to payment of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) for each day that the contravention persists”.