22.3m subscribers decline SMS adverts from telcos

A report by the Nigerian Commission (NCC) has shown that 22.3 million telecom consumers have activated the do-not-disturb (DND) service on their telephone lines.

In July 2016, NCC had directed telcos to activate the DND facility in order to clamp down on unsolicited text messages and give subscribers control over the texts they receive.

In the report obtained by TheCable, NCC gave a breakdown of regulatory policies it sought to enforce on telco companies operating across the country over the course of 2019.

It said that a total of 22,356, 919 subscribers activated DND either fully or partially, a figure which accounts for about 12.4% of Nigeria’s total subscribers.

“Active mobile voice subscribers increased from 174,012,136 in January 2019 to 180,386,316 at the end of October 2019, which is the latest data in the industry, as posted on the NCC official website,” NCC said.

“Teledensity has also increased to 94.50% while internet subscribers increased from 114,306,598 to 123,559,596 during the period under review.

“Exposure to unsolicited text messages by the consumers declined drastically through the resultant activation of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Short Code 2442 facility by the subscribers.

“Though, a voluntary service, a total of 22,356, 919 subscribers have now activated the DND service either fully or partially.”

According to the commission, Nigeria’s telecoms sector recorded “impressive” stats in 2019, despite the challenges confronting it.

It said the total number of active voice subscribers recorded a 3.7% increase from 174,012,136 in January 2019 to 180,386,316 at the end of October.