By Benjamin Amu

Lagos. September 21, 2008. Telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finally confirmed lifting ban on sales promotions placed on two mobile cellular operators, MTN Nigeria and Zain Nigeria.

Technology Times had on September 17, 2008 reported exclusively that NCC has reched a deal with the operators to lift the order freezing promotions that could lead to uptake of their services by new subscribers following massive quality of service issues.

The regulator at the time did not confirm that report that cites that the deal was reached the preceding week and was nevertheless confirmed as factual by the two organisations.

Head, Public Affairs, NCC, Dave Imoko, confirmed today that in lifting the ban, the regulator has directed phone networks to steer clear of "promotions that may lead to degradation of service quality to the consumer, as this would henceforth attract more stringent ban that will not be subject to review by the Commission for at least six months."

Imoko in the statement adds that the warning became necessary amid the September 15 directive easing the no-promo order imposed on the two operators June 14, last year over allegations of "unacceptable level of compliance to the Key Performance Indicators on quality of service."  

The regulator says the relief comes conditions including a directive to perators that they continue to “exercise self control and not engage in any promotion that would lead to congestion of the network or deterioration of quality of service generally.”

According to Imoko, NCC also directs that operators would now be required to submit an impact analysis of promotions before to the regulator before they are kicked off. This should also reflect potential impact on their networks in compliance with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as set by NCC and should also state the duration of such promotions.

"The Commission said while it is not its intention to micro-manage any operator’s business, it is the primary responsibility of the Commission to protect the consumer and ensure that services are provided at optimum level of quality", adds Imoko.