Date Published: 05/08/10

Sir,

GSM Network Providers and deceitful promotions

One has watched with keen interest the probable emerging fraud involved in the so-called various promotions by GSM network providers – MTN, Glo, Zain, Etisalat, etc. One would not know if the NCC that supposed to be watching over those institutions, is living up to its billing.

Some people are suspecting NCC connivance with the network operators. It is believed that proper audit of various exercises involving the network providers would reveal some ripping-off of their subscribers.

There was the recent past promotion by Etisalat, which saw a student of the University of Jos win US$1million, among other winners. This was televised nationwide and could be said to be transparent. Other network providers have had one promotion or the other in the past.

Now, the MTN is on with a promotion which says that one stands the chance of winning N20,000 every hour or N2million everyday or N10million every month. The conditions of the promotions look simple but underneath it could be seen some atom of fraud. The promotion would ask you to send the word “GO” to 2010 and each text costs N100 and all they do is to increase what they call “points” for you, luring you to carry on with spending N100 each time for text that ordinarily would not cost more than N15. At the end you might spend N10,000 without a win.

It is high time the network providers became genuine and straightforward with their promotions. They should look more transparent and rewarding to their longstanding customers. They should work out a way at arriving at such; it looks more sincere and equitable. If they are short of ideas, they can send me an email to oblige them good suggestions. 

Mr. Kingsley Ikpe Udo

Plot 213 Goldie Street