NCC lifts ban onregulatory services to MTN
Everest Amaefule, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission has
lifted the ban on regulatory services which it
placed on MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.
NCC had placed ban on providing regulatory
services to MTN for several regulatory
infractions.
A statement issued by Director of Public Affairs
at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said the lifting of the
ban was in no way related to the fine imposed
on MTN by the regulatory agency on October 20,
2015, for failure to deactivate 5.2 million
improperly registered SIM cards as the
infractions predated this fine.
The letter lifting suspension of regulatory
services to MTN signed by Mr. Efosa Idehen,
Head, Compliance, Monitoring/Enforcement and
Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye, Head, Legal and
Regulatory Services specifically stated that the
lifting of the suspension was as a result of
several letters from MTN to the NCC requesting
for the lifting.
The letter stated, “We have reviewed MTN’s
plea and also took into consideration the fact
that MTN has abated all the infractions that
gave rise to the suspension of regulatory
services by the commission.”
The infractions included but not limited to
tariffs and promotions by MTN in letters from
NCC of May 4, 2015, May 9, 2015 and May 25,
2015 respectively to withdraw unapproved
tariffs and promotions specifically MTN Trutalk,
MTN Best II promotions among others.
The ban also followed failure by MTN to pay
some Annual Operating Levies.
Compliance checks on MTN showed that it had
failed and deliberately refused to comply with
the directives issued by the commission, Ojobo
said.
In spite of that, it continued to introduce
additional promotions in utter disregard for
NCC’s directive, contrary to the Nigerian
Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and Regulation
8(2) of the Enforcement Regulations 2005 and
the relevant provision in the Guidelines for
Advertisement and Promotion, he further
explained.
He added that further communication with MTN
in letters dated June 19, 2015 and July 13, 2015
did not in any way discourage the operator from
the infractions; thus the imposition of the ban.
However, Ojobo said, “Having reviewed MTN’s
plea therefore and in consideration that the
operator has abated all the infractions, the NCC
hereby lifts the suspension urging MTN to
ensure that it maintains good regulatory
standing with the Commission at all times to
avoid future occurrence.
“The commission expects total compliance with
NCA, 2003, Regulations and the Terms and
Conditions of Licences issued to MTN and will
not hesitate to impose necessary sanctions
where MTN flouts any provision of the foregoing
regulatory instruments.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has
lifted the ban on regulatory services which it
placed on MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.
NCC had placed ban on providing regulatory
services to MTN for several regulatory
infractions.
A statement issued by Director of Public Affairs
at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said the lifting of the
ban was in no way related to the fine imposed
on MTN by the regulatory agency on October 20,
2015, for failure to deactivate 5.2 million
improperly registered SIM cards as the
infractions predated this fine.
The letter lifting suspension of regulatory
services to MTN signed by Mr. Efosa Idehen,
Head, Compliance, Monitoring/Enforcement and
Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye, Head, Legal and
Regulatory Services specifically stated that the
lifting of the suspension was as a result of
several letters from MTN to the NCC requesting
for the lifting.
The letter stated, “We have reviewed MTN’s
plea and also took into consideration the fact
that MTN has abated all the infractions that
gave rise to the suspension of regulatory
services by the commission.”
The infractions included but not limited to
tariffs and promotions by MTN in letters from
NCC of May 4, 2015, May 9, 2015 and May 25,
2015 respectively to withdraw unapproved
tariffs and promotions specifically MTN Trutalk,
MTN Best II promotions among others.
The ban also followed failure by MTN to pay
some Annual Operating Levies.
Compliance checks on MTN showed that it had
failed and deliberately refused to comply with
the directives issued by the commission, Ojobo
said.
In spite of that, it continued to introduce
additional promotions in utter disregard for
NCC’s directive, contrary to the Nigerian
Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and Regulation
8(2) of the Enforcement Regulations 2005 and
the relevant provision in the Guidelines for
Advertisement and Promotion, he further
explained.
He added that further communication with MTN
in letters dated June 19, 2015 and July 13, 2015
did not in any way discourage the operator from
the infractions; thus the imposition of the ban.
However, Ojobo said, “Having reviewed MTN’s
plea therefore and in consideration that the
operator has abated all the infractions, the NCC
hereby lifts the suspension urging MTN to
ensure that it maintains good regulatory
standing with the Commission at all times to
avoid future occurrence.
“The commission expects total compliance with
NCA, 2003, Regulations and the Terms and
Conditions of Licences issued to MTN and will
not hesitate to impose necessary sanctions
where MTN flouts any provision of the foregoing
regulatory instruments.
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