The public’s outcry over continuous phone messages advertising for free call promotions has prompted Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to ban telecom companies from sending any more unsolicited SMS.

According to UCC Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi, all the telecom companies should not send any more of these messages until they fully comply with a certain set of guidelines set by the regulatory body.

All the telecom companies have been ordered not to admit new subscriptions for such promotions. The ban will be reviewed only after the service providers comply with the conditions set.

“In a bid to improve the quality of service and the quality of experience that consumers of communications services in Uganda receive, UCC has with immediate effect suspended all new promotions offered by licensed operators with respect to mobile communication services,” read a statement by UCC.

“The move is intended to improve the network connection which is currently congested with free calls promotions,” UCC communications officer Fred Otuunu said.

Mr Isaac Kalembe, the UCC’s Public Relations Officer added that they have drafted guidelines that they have been discussing with telecoms.

This is after, several people started complaining that their money is deducted whenever they receive these junk SMS, and they warned the telecoms but nothing was done.

“So last week, we wrote to them giving them June 6 as a deadline,” Kalembe said.