The Executive Vice Chairman the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, on Tuesday hinted that the commission was considering the best technology solutions to block call masking/refilling in the country.
Danbatta, who disclosed this during the commission’s 99th edition of consumer outreach programme with the theme ‘Using Information and Education as Tools for Consumer Empowerment and Protection’ in Ilorin, the Kwara State, explained that the technology solutions would be helpful also in tracking and apprehending culprits.
Represented at the forum by the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, the EVC pointed out that the commission was making efforts on the issuance of direction to mobile number operators to explore technical means possible such that their networks would not be accessed for call masking and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) boxing activities.
He explained: “With respect to call masking/refiling, the commission is working seriously to abate menace of this ugly development including deployment of appropriate technology as a strategy to combat it.
“The NCC has embarked on continuous process of compliance, monitoring and enforcement activities to detect victims of call masking and investigate channels used to commit the illegality.
“We are also tightening SIM registration processes across all networks to reduce the availability of SIMs for SIM-boxing as well as addressing the security issues around the availability of pre-registered or fraudulently registered SIMs”, Danbatta added.
In her remarks, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, said it was the responsibility of service providers to communicate information to consumers in simple language and ensure that such information are relevant, current and accurate.
She explained that it was by doing so that subscribers to telecom services can be properly guided on how best to avoid tricksters and others engaging in call masking or other abuses in the sector.
