We are politically neutral – Telcos distance themselves from text messages
In recent days, many Ghanaians have complained about receiving unsolicited messaging from political party campaigns to which they have not subscribed
Telecommunications companies in Ghana have dissociated themselves from a wave of unsolicited electronic communications (UECs) received by their customers. The network companies made this known in a statement released by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
Ghana’s leading network operators – AirtelTigo, MTN and Vodafone – are all members of the chamber.
In recent days, many Ghanaians have complained about receiving campaign messages for which they have not subscribed. However, the Chamber said its members are politically neutral, and are not responsible for the UECs sent to clients.
“The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has noted with concern, customer complaints across various media, relating to a recent political party’s unsolicited message,” the Chamber’s statement said.
“The chamber would like to state unequivocally that its members, the mobile network operators (MNOs), are politically neutral, and their policies and principles prohibit the promotion of any political party.
“As an industry, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the continued growth of our democracy.”
Parties circumvent rules
The Chamber of Telecommunications also described how the political parties are able to send campaign messages to phone users.
Contrary to reports, no telecommunications company has given out a client’s contact to any political party, the chamber said. It explained that the parties rely on content providers and marketers to build databases of phone numbers, which they then use to send bulk campaign messages.
“Content providers build databases of phone numbers from various sources, including online, social media etc,” the Chamber said.
“Political parties have access to data which they get through their own sources, including their fundraising activities and other events.
“A UEC may not necessarily come from the operator you use. It could come from any source if your number is part of their targeted database.”
How to stop UECs
The statement added that, clients who wish to unsubscribe from UECs in any form, can type STOP [SPACE] SENDER’S NAME and send this to the number from which the message was sent to halt the stream of messages.
However, the Chamber also said that, should the campaign messages not cease, the customer must reach out to his or her network provider for assistance.
“Customers who wish to unsubscribe from UECs of any kind should type STOP (space) SENDER’S NAME and send to the number from which the message or call was sent to stop receiving such messages,” the Chamber urged.
“If the UECs persist, contact your service provider to omit you from the promotional list, and the regulator as a last resort.
“The mobile industry, beyond being accountable to the customer, remains committed to delivering quality voice and data services as well as that new digital world to its customers,” it said.
E A Alanore
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