Elections: NCC suspends ban on unsolicited text messaging

The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced the
temporary suspension of the Do-Not-Disturb facility on mobile
networks.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the regulatory
commission said that it suspended the DND to enable mobile
operators to disseminate information on the 2019 General Elections
which begins on February 16.

The DND enable subscribers to choose what kind of text messages
they can receive from operators or even opt out completely from
receiving unsolicited text messages from mobile operators.

The commission explained that the suspension was necessary to
enable Mobile Network Operators to disseminate specific information
on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral
Commission.

According to NCC, in implementing the suspension, MNOs are to be
mindful of existing directives regarding the timing and regularity
of such messages and the fact that the temporary suspension is only
with regards to the specific messages on voters’ education.

The NCC had issued Guidance to all MNOs and Value Added Service
Providers to the effect that:

“MNOs should ensure that their facilities are not used to
disseminate political or religious contents which are abusive,
insulting, intimidating and harassing, and/or which incite
violence, hatred or discrimination against any person or group of
persons.

“MNOs shall provide service to participants in the political
process, only to the extent that their licence and the regulatory
process permits.

“MNOs shall maintain the principle of neutrality in all their
dealings regarding all the political process

“MNOs shall at all times seek and obtain the approval of the
Commission at all times.”

The commission also expressed its readiness to strictly monitor
the activities of the MNOs for the duration of the temporary
suspension.