Somali Telecoms Send Unauthorised Advertisements to Mobile Phone Customers

[Deeq A.]

The Somali telecommunications companies have been accused of violating the National Communications Law.

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — The telecommunications companies in Somalia have been keeping pace with progress in the country and technological innovations abroad. The major transformation in the telecommunications sector has had an impact on the ownership structure of the companies: before 1991, the telecommunications sector was owned by the state.

The first phase of private telecommunications companies saw the establishment of many firms that, after tough competition, folded, merged with other companies or were acquired. This transformation has set in motion private ownership of companies that were established after the collapse of the state in 1991. The signing of interoperability agreements invigorated the telecommunications industry in Somalia.
The telecommunications companies in Somalia run telephony and mobile banking services, which are commended for introducing inclusive banking in the country. More than 90% of business transactions in the Federal Republic of Somalia are conducted through mobile banking.

The telecommunications companies have been accused of exploiting the semi-regulated market and their network effects. Mobile telephone operators in Somalia advertise the services of other companies to their customers without providing the option to opt out of receiving such advertisements.

What is more, telecommunications companies advertise educational services and programmes of their subsidiary companies through customers’ mobile phones, highlighting the extent to which the telecoms seek to compete even in sectors where they lack a competitive advantage.

Mobile phone customers complain about advertisements that fill up their phone storage. In the National Communications Law, the role of the Ministry of Communications and Technology is described in statist terms from when postal and telephone services were government-owned: Article 28 “To formulate, review and take general decisions on national telecommunication aiming to enhance revenues, consumption of the telecommunication service and promotion and development of the social service.”

Article 6 of the National Communications Law grants the National Communications Agency the authority to protect consumer rights. The Agency [shall] protect customer rights with special consideration to: (a) Protect customer confidentiality and service information; (b) Tariff charges (c) Facilitate accessibility of the service; (d) Quality and level of service.” Puntland Post attempted to interview executives from Hormuud, Telesom, and Golis, but none of the companies showed willingness to answer questions regarding consumer rights and service quality.

© Puntland Post, 2024

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