Extra airtime promos suspended
Oct 22, 2007
THE Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended promotions of telecom firms in which customers are given extra airtime. “This is to inform the public of our decision to suspend the following promotions effective October 24.
By Emmy Olaki
THE Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended promotions of telecom firms in which customers are given extra airtime. “This is to inform the public of our decision to suspend the following promotions effective October 24.
Celtel’s offer of 50% free airtime between 10:00pm and 8:00am, MTN’s offer of 50% extra airtime between 10:00pm and 8:00am and uganda telecom’s (utl) offer of free telephone calls between 11:00pm and 7:00am,†UCC said in a statement.
The statement, which was signed by the executive director, Patrick Masambu, indicates that the decision was prompted by concerns about the poor quality of service experienced on the networks during the time of the promotion.
The three telecom providers launched the promotions about two months ago. Although the promotions run during off peak hours, many people are increasingly getting frustrated as they make phone calls because the lines get jammed soon after 10:00pm.
Many customers are stranded with large sums of built-up credit, which they are unable to use, yet they can do nothing about it.
Philip Besiimire, the MTN senior manager for consumer marketing, said the terms of the promotion were that any outstanding credit at the end of the promotion would be forfeited.
“But we have discussions going on with UCC. I don’t want to comment till they are done. But how do they just end the promotion without giving people ample time to either use up their credit, or at least know that the promotion will end and that they will forfeit any outstanding credit?†he asked.
“In order to ensure that industry standards are maintained, we have agreed to abide by UCC’s decision. However, Celtel customers who have accumulated airtime will continue to utilise it till it is used up,†Martin Sebuliba, Celtel’s marketing manager for corporates and small and medium enterprises, said.
Mark Kaheru, the utl marketing communications officer, said they understand the concerns of the regulator, especially ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“We know that because of CHOGM and the number of people that will be coming into the country, they need clarity of the airwaves. So, we have accepted their request to suspend the promotion. However, we have been upgrading constantly and have the capacity to handle the numbers,†Kaheru explained.
THE Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended promotions of telecom firms in which customers are given extra airtime. “This is to inform the public of our decision to suspend the following promotions effective October 24.
Celtel’s offer of 50% free airtime between 10:00pm and 8:00am, MTN’s offer of 50% extra airtime between 10:00pm and 8:00am and uganda telecom’s (utl) offer of free telephone calls between 11:00pm and 7:00am,†UCC said in a statement.
The statement, which was signed by the executive director, Patrick Masambu, indicates that the decision was prompted by concerns about the poor quality of service experienced on the networks during the time of the promotion.
The three telecom providers launched the promotions about two months ago. Although the promotions run during off peak hours, many people are increasingly getting frustrated as they make phone calls because the lines get jammed soon after 10:00pm.
Many customers are stranded with large sums of built-up credit, which they are unable to use, yet they can do nothing about it.
Philip Besiimire, the MTN senior manager for consumer marketing, said the terms of the promotion were that any outstanding credit at the end of the promotion would be forfeited.
“But we have discussions going on with UCC. I don’t want to comment till they are done. But how do they just end the promotion without giving people ample time to either use up their credit, or at least know that the promotion will end and that they will forfeit any outstanding credit?†he asked.
“In order to ensure that industry standards are maintained, we have agreed to abide by UCC’s decision. However, Celtel customers who have accumulated airtime will continue to utilise it till it is used up,†Martin Sebuliba, Celtel’s marketing manager for corporates and small and medium enterprises, said.
Mark Kaheru, the utl marketing communications officer, said they understand the concerns of the regulator, especially ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“We know that because of CHOGM and the number of people that will be coming into the country, they need clarity of the airwaves. So, we have accepted their request to suspend the promotion. However, we have been upgrading constantly and have the capacity to handle the numbers,†Kaheru explained.