Information available to eWorldnews have shown that MTN Nigeria, Airtel and Glo have been fined N2.79 billion for breach of data services rules.
Though some telecom companies have been fined several amounts for breach of services conduct in 2019, the new fine appeared to be the highest since MTN was slammed with a fine of $5.2 billion by the NCC. Though the fine was later slashed to N330 billion.
According to reports NCC imposed the fine due to the networks’ disregard for the rule; that bars them from automatically renewing data for their customers.
According to NCC in its latest Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement report; a recent audit of the networks revealed that the three operators forcefully subscribed some customers to Data and Value Added Services.
This is in contravention of the Commission’s Direction on Forceful Subscription.
According to the report, Airtel may have committed the infraction on a large number of subscribers; as the telco is to pay the largest chunk of the total fine.
NCC said , Airtel is to pay a fine of N2.3 billion, while MTN and Globacom are to pay N164.3 million and N232.5 million respectively.
“During an audit exercise carried out by the Commission from September 25-28, 2019; it was discovered that Airtel, MTN and Globacom forcefully subscribed some customers to Data and Value Added Services; in contravention of the Commission’s Direction on Forceful Subscription.
“Checks revealed that some refunds have been effected by the operators along with forwarded documentation. While the letters conveying the fines; which include Airtel – N2,397,084,000; MTN – N164,362,000 and Globacom – N232,576,000, have been sent,” the regulator stated.
At a recent forum, the Director of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring at NCC; Mr. Efosa Idehen, said the regulator had observed infractions in the area of data auto-renewal and was investigating it.
He had said, “automatic renewal of data is an illegality and we are looking into it. Very soon, you will see us take action”.
Officials of the NCC and those of the telcos were unwilling to speak on the matter, preferring to get more details on the fine before they make public statements.
It would be recalled that both the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology and the telecom companies have argued over data pricing in Nigeria.
