NCA to soon ban unsolicited messages and calls

The National Communications Authority (NCA) the thebftonline.com has gathered has begun the process to end the unsolicited calls and messages through telecom companies operating in the country.

This the thebftonline.com understands is to allow NCA to control and end the massive influx of unwanted text messages and calls routed through telcoes to mobile users in Ghana.

In a statement, the NCA stated that, following the commencement of a review of the current Unsolicited Electronic Communications (UEC) code for telecom operators by the authority in a bid to control the influx of unsolicited text messages and calls, a public consultation has begun on the matter.

This consultation which is expected to end in January 24, 2017, is to allow the public make inputs in the reviewed UEC which will govern the industry in the future.

The review according to the authority is in line with “section 5(H) of the national communications act Act 2008, Act 769.” The act states that, “the Authority shall in the performance of its functions have regard to the opinions of consumers and members of the general public.”

In view of this all comments and contributions were to be sent to the NCA in two formats (Microsoft Word or PDF).

NCA measures in 2013

NCA in 2013 developed measures which was aimed at managing the increasing spate of unsolicited text messages and calls to consumers on mobile devices.

As part of the measures, all mobile network operators and content providers were expected to ensure that all messages which have not been subscribed to do not cost consumers and in other situations where not even sent.

Additionally, the service and content providers had the liberty or right to use “START” and “STOP” for subscribers to either activate or de-activate all the non-transactional and promotional electronic communications.

Also in other for greater reduction of consumers receiving the same message twice a day, the NCA has directed that promotional and non-transactional electronic messages, including text and calls, was not to be sent more than once a day or three times a month, with the exception of messages subscribed to by consumers.

Impact on business

Direct reach to consumers has made SMS and direct calling one of the most effective ways of selling services and products.

However, with recent penetration of mobile subscription figures in Ghana reaching over 100 per cent, advertisers and marketers are making use of mobile electronic communications, with a resulting invasion of privacy.

This has also become irritating to consumers to such an extent that, some consumers have resorted to switching off the beeping notifications, rendering the channel unusable for legitimate business communications.