Telecommunications operators have solicited that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should allow subscribers a window of time to normalize irregular SIM registration, due to the hasty disconnection of some telecom subscribers with irregular SIM registration.

Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said that his association has put forward representation to NCC for them to realize the need for this window of time being solicited for subscribers with SIM registration issues and is waiting the Commission’s response.

“We have written to the NCC on what we think should be the process for data collection and disconnection of subscribers. Now that we are faced with these problems, we will continue to deal with them. We referred to the issue NCC raised about invalid and improperly registered SIM cards which we have been directed as should not be activated on any network. We agreed; we have no objections whatsoever. We also agreed totally that all data we collect will be domiciled with the Commission. In essence, whatever data we collect from our subscriber with respect to their privacy, we will ship them to the Commission.

“We do have few concerns about the process and we have recommended as follows: That where SIM registration records are rejected, as a result of invalid records, we should be given a period of two weeks, to notify the subscriber before we disconnect. Because what we are told now is that when we gather the data and send to the central database, once they discover any missing item, NCC asks you to disconnect them. So, we are saying, give us a declaration on the data considered improperly done within the number of days. Give us that window of time to at least involve the subscriber and normalize the data. This is critical to avoid disconnecting the subscriber who may have come with good intentions to give his/her data. During that period, we will tell the person you cannot make call, but can only receive; so, we can call the subscriber to comply with the process. But, if within the window of time the subscriber fails to comply, then disconnect other services,” he stated.

Credit: DailyTimes