GSM Operators Ordered to Stop Sending those Annoying Text Messages to Subscribers

Every GSM subscriber in Nigeria is usually harassed by text messages from his or her network carrier concerning one promotion or the other. For instance on Valentine’s Day, operators sent several unsolicited text messages throughout the duration of the festivities promoting special promotions. Such text messages distract subscribers and are unsolicited for.

Respite has come in the form of an order from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). Mr. Peter Igho,  Director-General of the NLRC has asked telecommunications subscribers to cease and desist from this act with immediate effect.

The DG spoke at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NLRC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja yesterday. E asked telecommunications companies to advertise their lotteries via broadcast stations and newspapers and promised sanctions for any erring operator.

According to Igho, “Development of technology has reached the high point where the handset has become the most versatile multimedia application. We now can watch television programmes, carry out banking transactions and participate in mobile lottery through the phone.

“Major lottery players have invested big sums of money and materials to grow this laudable business. The mobile lottery or SMS lottery, which the mobile phone has made possible, is a welcome development that should support the mainstream lottery.”