TechPression

Tag: NCC

  • NCC proposes framework to tackle spam, fraud in A2P messaging sector

    NCC proposes framework to tackle spam, fraud in A2P messaging sector

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a regulatory framework to tackle issues like spam and fraud in the Application-to-Person messaging industry.

    The proposed framework was announced in a statement released by the telecom regulator on Friday.

    During a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, the proposed framework was presented, marking a significant step in improving the sector’s integrity and guaranteeing an equitable and transparent environment for all stakeholders.

    On behalf of Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida, the NCC’s acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs Chizua Whyte, presented the proposed framework, which aims to regulate the A2P messaging space.

    Read also: Vandalism crisis in Nigeria, South Africa paralyses telecoms and power sectors

    A2P messaging challenges 

    A2P messaging has become an essential communication tool in Nigeria, where it is utilised for notifications like government updates, bank alerts, and promotional activities.

    Nonetheless, the industry has a lot of obstacles to overcome, including issues with fraud, data privacy, and consumer protection, in addition to an uneven distribution of value throughout the ecosystem.

    “The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.

    Framework to address challenges 

    The regulatory body reaffirmed its dedication to promoting innovation while guaranteeing a safe, open environment for companies, customers, and service providers.

    By encouraging fair competition, safeguarding consumers, and holding service providers responsible, the suggested framework seeks to address these issues.

    “This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges,” the NCC said. “We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”

    Read also: NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    NCC calls for inclusivity, collaboration

    The NCC emphasised the value of cooperation and inclusivity in establishing a successful regulatory environment.

    Promoting a sustainable A2P messaging ecosystem that fosters corporate innovation, improves communication effectiveness, and aids in Nigeria’s socioeconomic development is the main goal of the commission’s work.

    During the event, stakeholders were invited to share their thoughts and opinions to influence the final framework.

    The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to establishing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and protects the interests of all parties involved in the A2P messaging industry.

    The NCC stressed the value of collaboration in determining the direction of A2P messaging in Nigeria and asked stakeholders to stay involved throughout the regulatory process for more updates.

  • Starlink Nigeria suspends new orders, locks horns with NCC over price increment

    Starlink Nigeria suspends new orders, locks horns with NCC over price increment

    Starlink Nigeria has placed new orders for Residential Internet kits on hold to force the hand of the Nigerian regulators to approve a price increase that had been previously reversed.

    In October, Starlink, owned by tech mogul Elon Musk, reviewed prices for its product offerings by a staggering 97 percent. But the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reversed the increment the following day, asserting that Starlink never received a go-ahead to change their prices.

    Consequently, the commission initiated a pre-enforcement action against the Internet Service Provider.

    Read also: Starlink suspends price hike in Nigeria over ‘regulatory challenges’

    “We’re committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and are working closely with regulators to make adjustments that will improve the customer experience,” Starlink Nigeria stated in a message to prospective customers on Tuesday. “Until these changes are approved, we are placing new Residential orders on hold,” the statement added.

    Suspension as strategy to cower NCC

    The suspension is deemed a calculated strategy to cower the NCC into allowing Starlink to increase the price of its product offerings, an approval that other telecom operators like MTN and Airtel have unsuccessfully tried for years to obtain.

    The NCC has repeatedly resisted attempts by the telecom operators to significantly increase call and data rates. MTN said the company was running at a loss given their prices have not been altered to reflect skyrocketing inflation, subsidy-free fuel cost to run their facility and the naira’s helpless fall all of which beset the nation as it battles its worst economic crisis.

    When Starlink Nigeria initially announced a price review, there were loud whispers that the government favoured Elon Musk’s Starlink over indigenous and existing telecoms operators who have long clamoured for the same price hike. But NCC shutdown the rumours with the pre-enforcement action that stopped Starlink from proceeding with the hike. 

    MTN Chief Financial Officer Modupe Kadri in October appealed to the government to reconsider its stance on the price  increase, due to the high inflation and currency fluctuation.

    Read also: Starlink suspends new kit sales in Malawi

    “For 10 years now, telecommunication companies haven’t been permitted to increase prices, and this regulation is not providing us with a level playing field to operate,” Mr Kadri said.

    MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola,  warned that without an adjustment, it risks shutting down operations.

    However, the operator recorded a significant overall loss of N514.9 billion for the nine-month period, mainly due to substantial foreign exchange (FX) losses, offsetting the Q3 profit.

    Starlink pauses sales in Malawi after regulators opposed price hike

    In an all too similar yet separate matter, Starlink announced halting sales of new kits in Malawi tentatively until after the regulators approve the price increment. Starlink, has paused the sale of certain business subscriptions and new residential subscriptions in Malawi. The suspension comes after a proposal to raise the subscription fee to reflect the depreciated Malawian Kwacha was rejected by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

  • Starlink suspends price hike in Nigeria  over ‘regulatory challenges’ 

    Starlink suspends price hike in Nigeria  over ‘regulatory challenges’ 

    Starlink has suspended its proposed increase in subscription tariffs in Nigeria following significant pushback from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). The satellite internet provider, owned by tech mogul Elon Musk, made this announcement on Friday, attributing the decision to “regulatory challenges” faced in the country.

    Earlier this month, Starlink had announced a controversial plan to raise its standard residential subscription fee from N38,000 to N75,000, representing nearly a 97 percent increase. The operator’s hardware which previously sold at N440,000 was also increased to N590,000.

    This proposed hike raised alarm among subscribers and telecom operators alike, prompting the NCC to intervene. The commission stated that Starlink had not obtained the necessary approvals to implement such an increase.

    Read also: Nigerian Telcos considering renewable energy and satellites to reduce the cost of operation

    Pre-enforcement action 

    The situation also sparked a broader conversation about pricing practices in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Other network providers expressed their concerns, accusing the NCC of double standards. While Starlink faced regulatory scrutiny for its proposed price increase, traditional telecom operators have consistently been denied requests to raise their tariffs despite the pressures of soaring inflation and instability in the naira. This disparity in treatment prompted calls for a more balanced regulatory approach that considers the economic realities facing all service providers. NCC stated that the commission would take pre-enforcement action  to stop the hike.

    Starlink caves to pressure 

    In light of the NCC’s actions and the public outcry, Starlink issued a statement on Friday announcing the suspension of the price increase. 

    “Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service,” the satellite Internet owned by Mr Musk said in a statement on Friday.

    “Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges.”

    This decision underscores Starlink’s willingness to adhere to regulatory authorities, especially in a market as complex as Nigeria, where the interplay between service providers and regulators is critical for sustainable operations.

    Read also: Vodacom and MTN partner with Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to bridge network gap

    For subscribers who had already been charged at new rates, Starlink assured that they will be issued a one-time credit to cover the difference.

    “If you’ve already been charged at the higher rate, a one-time credit will be applied to your account to cover the difference. You also have the flexibility to cancel your service at any time,” the satellite Internet service operator stated.

    Starlink reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria. 

    “We remain committed to providing high-speed Internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience,” the statement added, warning that it may no longer continue delivering Internet access should NCC withhold the approval to hike subscription.

    “Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk,” Mr Musk’s satellite provider warned. “Thank you for choosing Starlink and supporting our mission to bring affordable, high-speed internet to more people as many people around the world as possible.”

  • MTN Nigeria renews calls for tariff hike, threatens shutdown

    MTN Nigeria renews calls for tariff hike, threatens shutdown

    Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN Nigeria, has again called for an upward review of calls and data tariffs, citing high operating costs. The company warned that without an adjustment, it risks shutting down operations.

    The call was made by MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, during a visit by Fellows of the Media Innovation Program to the company’s facility in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, on Monday. Mr Toriola expressed concerns over the heavy financial losses the industry is facing, stressing the need for swift action.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria calls for tariff hike amid inflation, currency devaluation

    Telecom industry in crisis

    According to MTN Nigeria’s 2023 Sustainability Report, the company made N2.6 billion in corporate social investments but is now struggling to stay afloat, despite revenues accumulated over the last two decades. Mr Toriola emphasised the importance of immediate reforms, stating, “We must return the industry to profitability.”

    Running on reserves 

    Mr Toriola explained that MTN Nigeria is operating on its reserves, a situation he described as unsustainable. Telecom operators have been pressuring the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve a tariff hike, arguing that the sector has not been allowed to adjust its prices to reflect the nation’s current economy beset by soaring inflation, fuel crisis and currency instability.

    The operators highlighted that tariffs have remained unchanged for 11 years, and maintaining the old rates has become increasingly difficult in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.

    According to Mr Toriola, growing operational cost, especially the high cost of diesel required to power base transceiver stations, was putting significant pressure on the industry.

    “There should be no delusion; if the tariff doesn’t go up, we will shut down,” he cautioned, highlighting the pressing need for tariff revisions to take economic realities into account.

    Decline in tax payments 

    The financial strain has also impacted MTN’s tax contributions. Once one of Nigeria’s top corporate taxpayers, MTN has been forced to reduce its tax payments due to the ongoing financial difficulties.

    Both MTN and Airtel have taken a conservative approach to capital expenditure for 2024 in light of their first-quarter results.

    Globacom and 9mobile, the nation’s other two telecom operators, are not publicly listed.

    Due to foreign exchange losses brought on by the devaluation of the naira and high rates of inflation, MTN Nigeria recorded an astounding N519.1 billion loss in the first half of 2024.

    In addition, Toriola issued a warning that the N250 billion debt owed by Nigerian banks could result in the suspension of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking services.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria introduces paper-based SIMs to protect environment

    USSD Banking Services at Risk

    Mr Toriola also warned that Nigerian banks’ outstanding N250 billion debt could lead to the suspension of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking transactions.

    Until the debt is resolved and tariffs are adjusted, MTN is requesting regulatory approval to discontinue support for USSD services used in banking transactions.

    The MTN chief expressed optimism that Dr Aminu Maida, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, and Yemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, would step in to address the pressing issues before the telecom sector collapses.

    In his closing remarks, Mr Toriola emphasised the critical role that the telecom industry plays in Nigeria’s economy and urged policymakers and regulators to take immediate action to prevent severe consequences from further delay.

  • Nigerian Telcos condemn Starlink’s price increment without regulatory approval

    Nigerian Telcos condemn Starlink’s price increment without regulatory approval

    Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) has flayed Starlink Satellite for increasing Internet subscription tariffs without obtaining permission from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    Two weeks ago, Elon Musk’s Starlink upped monthly subscription fees by 97 percent, from N38,000 to N75,000, in addition to a 34 percent rise in hardware package costs, from N440,000 to N590,000.

    The Internet service provider said that the price modifications became necessary due to “excessive inflation.”

    According to the most recent NCC numbers given in May, the provider had about 24,000 subscribers.

    Read also: Liberia signs one-year agreement with Starlink as Mali lifts ban

    Telecom providers must adhere to regulatory framework 

    ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said the nation’s telecommunications sector is heavily regulated, and stressed that operators must abide by the rules to maintain stability.

    He emphasised the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements particularly for operators to obtain NCC clearance before making any changes to tariffs.

    “After speaking with the NCC, we learned that no consent was given. No supplier may unilaterally raise prices without the Commission’s approval,” according to the regulatory framework.

    “Doing so not only violates the rules but also disrespects the authority of the commission, which must not be taken lightly,” Adebayo informed PUNCH correspondent.

    NCC’s conflict with Starlink 

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is in charge of overseeing the country’s telecom sector, had previously condemned Starlink’s price increase, claiming that it violated the terms of Starlink’s operating licence and Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.

    The company’s actions appear to violate both the licence requirements for tariffs and the Nigerian Communications Act.

    The commission vowed to take a pre-enforcement action against Starlink, to stop the Internet provider from implementing the new tariffs.

    Starlink, Nigeria’s third-biggest ISP, increased its prices recently, raising concerns among Nigerians who feared other Internet providers might also increase their tariffs.

    Telecom operators like MTN, Airtel, and Globacom have been lobbying the NCC to increase their general pricing framework for calls, messages and Internet since April.

    “Despite the adverse headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last 11 years, primarily due to regulatory constraints,” Mr Adebayo said in April.

    Read also: NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    Nigeria Telcos clamour for tariff increase 

    In the meantime, telecom operators such as MTN, Airtel, and Globacom have been lobbying to increase their rates since April—a move that hasn’t happened in the previous eleven years.

    NCC did not approve the request but urged operators to find creative ways to continue their operations until a long-term solution is discovered.

    Tariff reviews are a crucial component of current discussions that telcos are holding with stakeholders over concerns about the viability of the telecommunications business, according to ALTON Chairman Adebayo, who commented on the development.

    “We’ll keep talking to stakeholders about tariff reviews. Tariff rises are only one aspect of the sustainability of the industry that we are discussing in depth,” said Adebayo.

  • NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday commenced pre-enforcement action against Starlink to stop the data service provider from increasing its tariffs.

    Pre-enforcement action is the term for actions done to address any problems or avoid non-compliance before a law, regulation, or agreement is enforced.

    The development occurred just hours after NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, stated that the commission was “surprised” by the pricing adjustments the company had disclosed.

    Read also: Nigerians to pay more for Starlink subscription due to high inflation rate

    Initial NCC’s statement to sanction Starlink 

    Mr Muoka stated the NCC had received a request from Starlink to modify its rates, but the regulator had not approved it.

    “We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for a price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision,” NCC had said earlier in a statement on Tuesday. 

    “The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

    “The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

    But in a different statement, Muoka requested that media outlets retract the commission’s earlier statement on the subject.

    “I wish to request that all who have received this press statement should ignore it, as it was issued in error,” he said.

    “Kindly withdraw it if it has been posted on your platforms.”

    Read also: Vodacom and MTN partner with Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to bridge network gap

    Starlink’s price hike 

    Citing growing inflation, Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet firm Starlink announced a price increase in a message sent to its Nigerian consumers last week. 

    The service provider stated on its website that the monthly membership rate for new users would increase by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000.

    The Starlink kit (hardware for installation) will now cost N590,000, a 34% increase from the previous price of N440,000, making it more expensive for new customers.

    A mobile regional (unlimited roam) package for N167,000, a mobile global (global roam) package for N717,000, and a normal residential package for N75,000 are among the other modified pricing structures.

    Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry have been demanding an upward pricing review to draw in investors.

    Telecom companies announced on April 25 that price increases for their services were long overdue, given that they had not hiked rates for the past 11 years.

  • Unlinked SIM cards face deactivation as Nigerians urge NCC for relief

    Unlinked SIM cards face deactivation as Nigerians urge NCC for relief

    The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has asked to extend the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) linking deadline by two weeks, from September 14 to September 30, 2024.

    This request comes as telecoms disconnect unlinked lines following the September 14 deadline.

    Read also: Nigeria Telcos begins barring SIMs not linked to NIN

    NIMC’s portal glitch frustrates subscribers and telecom operators 

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal has serious problems, according to NATCOMS National President Deolu Ogunbanjo, who raised the issues in an interview. The portal’s incapacity to manage many uploads has caused delays and annoyance for telecom operators and subscribers.

    In order to enable NIMC to expand the functionality of its platform and better the experience for all parties, he implored the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the deadline.

    Ogunbanjo encountered these difficulties when visiting the customer support offices of significant telecom providers, including MTN and Airtel.

    “It was annoying how slowly uploads were happening, and there was a noticeable congestion. It was evident that the NIMC interface was unable to handle the increase in uploads, placing an excessive burden on telecom providers and their customers.”

    NCC’s statistics on linked and unlinked lines 

    The NCC reported significant advancements in the policy to link all SIMs to NINs in August 2024. They highlighted a 96% compliance rate then and stated that over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to an NIN, up from 69.7% in January 2024.

    Furthermore, it stated that as of September 15, 2024, no SIM card operating in Nigeria is expected to be without a valid NIN.

    According to NCC data, 219 million active mobile lines were across networks like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile as of March 2024. This means that 66 million lines might be removed.

    Read also: Nigeria sets NIN-SIM linkage final deadline to September 14th

    Previous deadline extensions 

    The NCC ordered telecom providers to comply with the instructions, which the federal government first made public in December 2020. Since then, multiple deadline extensions have been granted.

    The deadline was originally set on February 28 but was pushed by the NCC to April 15, then July 31, and now to September 14, 2024. If NATCOMS’ request is granted, it will mark the NCC’s fifth extension this year.

    There were questions about whether the deadline issued by the NCC would be the last one. But it appears that NATCOMS’s request suggests it might not be.

    According to reports, a non-identifying NCC official ruled out the prospect of additional deadline extensions. “The grace period is over; we will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply.”

    Due to outrage from customers, MTN closed all of its offices and customer care centres in Nigeria when lines were barred in July 2024. However, the NCC mandated that they be reactivated.

  • Nigeria Telcos begins barring SIMs not linked to NIN

    Nigeria Telcos begins barring SIMs not linked to NIN

    After the September 14 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) expires, telecom companies are anticipated to begin terminating mobile phone lines that are not linked to National Identity Numbers (NIN).

    In an August statement, the NCC stated that starting on September 15, no SIM card would be active without a validated NIN.

    The telecom regulator had urged customers to visit their service providers as soon as possible to amend their information before the deadline if they had not yet finished their NIN-SIM linkage or were experiencing problems because of verification mismatches.

    The NCC reported 219 million active lines across mobile networks, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, as of March 2024; 153 million of those phones were already connected to NIN. This puts about 66 million disconnected lines in danger of being disconnected.

    Due to unverified NINs, millions of lines were briefly blocked between July 28 and 29, resulting in significant disruptions across the nation. The NCC reversed its ruling and gave subscribers additional time to comply. But now that the deadline has passed, disconnections will start.

    Read also: Nigeria sets NIN-SIM linkage final deadline to September 14th

    No more extension

    Speaking to the media, an NCC official ruled out the idea of an extension and asked to remain anonymous since he was not permitted to comment on the situation.

    The grace period has ended, and we will disconnect anyone who disobeys. We previously extended this because of a misunderstanding by certain Nigerians, who said that the NCC intended to thwart the August 1 protest.

    The representative clarified that the commission does not intend to intentionally disconnect subscribers. For various reasons, a sizable portion of Nigerians have chosen not to connect their SIM cards to their NINs.

    Even when the Centres might face difficulties, it is still vital to go over and finish the procedure. To be clear, there won’t be any more extensions,” the representative underlined.

    NIMC’s portal challenges obstruct the completion of the NIN-SIM linkage

    A few weeks prior, users lamented the difficulties of entering their information into the National Identity Management Commission website.

    Adeolu Ogungbanjo, the president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, visited several telecom hubs, including MTN and Airtel, and called the state of affairs “terrible.”

    He previously informed our correspondent that the NIN-SIM linkage cannot be completed on time due to the current portal issues, and he said, “Subscribers will struggle to meet the deadline without immediate action.”

    He begged that the NCC consider extending the deadline because of the technological problems that plagued the registration procedure last week.

    He told the media, “NCC must be commended after a series of extensions, but I think they can still do that for maybe one week.”

    Read also: International Telecommunications Union implores Nigeria to define NCC, NITDA’s roles

    NCC, NIMC partners to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process 

    The NCC and NIMC tightened their collaboration in March to expedite the NIN-SIM connection procedure. To assist citizens in adhering to the directions, both authorities initiated stakeholder training, public awareness programs, and the transmission of factual information.

    Financial data from the first half of 2024 shows that MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa blocked 13.5 million lines for breaking the NIN-SIM linking directive.

    According to MTN, 8.6 million lines had been stopped, and 8.7 million Airtel subscribers had finished the verification process.

    Beginning in December 2020, when the government ordered telcos to ban unregistered SIMs and those without NIN linkages, SIM cards must be linked to NINs.

    April 15, 2024, was established as the ultimate date for comprehensively prohibiting users with four or fewer SIMs containing unconfirmed NIN information, following several deadline extensions by the NCC since December 2023.

  • Nigeria’s Communications Commission launches Device Management System to regulate mobile devices

    Nigeria’s Communications Commission launches Device Management System to regulate mobile devices

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has just released the Device Management System (NCC-DMS), a comprehensive Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) intended to monitor and manage mobile devices connected to the nation’s communication networks.

    According to the new “Type Approval Business Rule 2024,” the Commission requires all mobile network operators (MNOs) in the nation to link to the system.

    Read also: Nigeria’s telecom regulator grants three licenses to Airtel’s Telesonic

    The effort aims to guarantee more stringent regulation of mobile devices, improve security, and encourage adherence to legal requirements. The Commission further stated that all Nigerian Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can track devices using the NCC-DMS, which will serve as a central database.

    Initiative to reduce phone theft and fraudulent activities

    The NCC stated that it aims to reduce the usage of unauthorised devices and avoid problems like phone theft and fraudulent activities involving mobile devices by registering and monitoring device access.

    The Commission states that all mobile network providers must replicate the network-related policies set out by the NCC and establish a connection to the NCC-DMS. It said that by doing this, network providers are guaranteed to follow the same guidelines and regulations, promoting a standardised approach to device regulation.

    All devices connecting to a communication network must have their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) obtained by NCC-DMS, which will then synchronise that information with international databases of IMEI repositories.

    Limitation of acquired devices and payment of fees

    The Commission wrote in the Business Rule, “NCC-DMS shall maintain a registry of all communication devices available in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Read also: Nigeria’s initiative to bridge digital gap Kickstart in 12 states

    It further stated that although individuals would be able to register their mobile devices, the Commission would restrict the number of devices that can be registered.

    Furthermore, device vendors must register type-approved devices on the NCC-DMS.
    All MNOs must also synchronise their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs) with the NCC-DMS to ensure that mobile devices accessing their networks adhere to NCC requirements.

    Payments for device registration on the NCC-DMS must be paid; these payments are separate from those for type approval.

    It is an essential step for suppliers and individuals, as this cost structure will be applied to each registered device.

  • Nigeria sets NIN-SIM linkage final deadline to September 14th

    Nigeria sets NIN-SIM linkage final deadline to September 14th

    According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) must have finished the required SIM verification and NIN linking by September 14, 2024.

    This was revealed on Wednesday in a statement signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.

    According to the statement, the directive’s goal is to guarantee that the NIN-SIM linking policy is fully followed.

    The Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) was claimed to have made substantial progress, which the NCC was happy to reveal.

    Read also: NCC directs telcos to maintain tariff transparency

    The announcement claims that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NINs, indicating an outstanding 96% compliance rate—a significant increase from 69.7% in January 2024.

    “To achieve 100% compliance as we near the end of this crucial process, the NCC is requesting the ongoing cooperation of all Nigerians.

    “To improve the security and confidence of our digital economy, all SIM cards must be fully linked to NINs.

    “This policy encourages more involvement in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services by strengthening trust in digital transactions and lowering the risk of fraud and cybercrime through the verification of all mobile users.

    “This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.” According to the statement.

    NCC uncovers alarming cases 

    The commission claims it has uncovered unusual incidents in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    According to the report, there have been instances where people have had an abnormally high number of SIM cards—some up to 100,000.

    In addition, the NCC stated that it was still committed to cooperating with law enforcement and other relevant parties to stop the selling of SIM cards that have already been pre-registered.

    Read also: NIN-SIM linkage: MTN Nigeria bans 8.6 million users

    Act now: Avoid SIM blockage

    It emphasised that this aimed to protect Nigeria’s mobile number integrity and national security.

    The commission stated that it anticipated no SIM functioning in Nigeria would be without a valid NIN as of September 15, 2024.

    “We kindly ask the general public to visit their service providers as soon as possible to update their information before the deadline if they have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or if they have encountered problems because of verification discrepancies.

    As an alternative, you can use the authorised self-service portals.

    The NCC also reminds the public that purchasing and selling pre-registered SIM cards are crimes that carry jail terms and fines.

    It stated, “We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our social media platforms or toll-free line (622).”