Value Added Services (VAS) are extra services provided by telecom operators beyond basic voice calls and short media messages (SMS). In Nigeria’s fast-growing digital space, VAS has become a major part of how consumers get informed, entertained, and perform financial services through their mobile phones. Understanding how these services work helps consumers make informed choices, avoid unwanted charges and enjoy the benefits of VAS safely.
What are Value Added Services (VAS)?
Value‑Added Services (VAS) are non‑core telecom services offered in addition to standard voice and data services. They include entertainment, information services, mobile banking, unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) services, content delivery, and more.
Services Classified as Value-Added Services
- Information/content services: news alerts, quizzes, games, ringtones, video streaming, product information, call center services, etc.
- Interactive services/applications: surveys, promotions, online games, location-based services.
- Commerce-related services: mobile money, e‑ticketing, e‑health, e‑
- SMS/USSD services: subscription alerts, educational content.
Value Added Service Structure
There are four major players in the VAS ecosystem
- Network Operators – provide the last‑mile connection to Subscribers/ Consumers
- Aggregators – central connection point between Network Operators and Content Providers.
- Content & Application Service Providers (CASPs) – host and distribute content using their own platforms.
- Developers – freelance creators of content (no license needed unless distributing).
Why VAS Matters to Consumers
VAS plays an important role in Nigeria’s digital economy and everyday communication. Its significance includes:
- Consumers access to information and services directly from their mobile devices without going physically to locations.
- VAS platforms support digital payments, transfers, and mobile banking services, helping individuals without traditional bank accounts participate in financial activities.
- VAS provides news updates, music, sports content, and educational materials, making mobile phones a hub for digital content consumption.
Consumer Rights and Protection
The NCC establishes rules such as the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2024 that require Service Providers to:
- Obtain consumer consent before activating subscription services
- Provide clear information about pricing and renewal terms
- Offer easy opt-out or unsubscribe options
- Protect consumer data and privacy
Consumers have the right to report unauthorized subscriptions, billing errors, or misleading promotions through official complaint channels.
Common Consumer Challenges with VAS
Despite its benefits, some consumers experience challenges such as:
- Unintended subscription to paid services
- Difficulty unsubscribing from recurring services
- Lack of awareness of service charges
- Promotional messages
Awareness and proper monitoring of mobile accounts can help consumers avoid unnecessary costs.
Tips
To use VAS safely and effectively, consumers should:
- Always read subscription prompts carefully before confirming
- Regularly check airtime or data usage
- Use the unified opt-out code*305# to cancel/deactivate unwanted VAS services
- Text STOP to 2442 to stop all unsolicited SMS & calls
- Report suspicious deductions to their telecom provider
- Stay informed through official telecom consumer education platforms
Value Added Services have transformed Nigeria’s telecom industry by expanding access to digital services, financial tools, and information. While VAS offers convenience and innovation, consumer awareness remains essential for maximizing benefits and avoiding misuse. By understanding their rights and monitoring subscriptions, telecom consumers can fully enjoy the advantages of Nigeria’s evolving digital communication landscape.
Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
The Executive Order that was gazetted by the government in June 2024,
designating Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in various sectors of the Nigerian Economy, including ICT systems in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, reflects the critical role these sectors play in national security and economic development.
In the telecoms sector, the Executive Order covers Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems, networks, and infrastructure operating in Nigeria. They include telecommunications networks, base stations, fibre-optic cables, data centres, towers, internet exchange points, broadcasting systems, and other ICT facilities whose disruption could seriously hamper our everyday life. These are essential to the country’s security, economy, and public well-being.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) collaborates with security agencies and other relevant government institutions in playing a key role in promoting the protection of telecom-related CNII.
Why We Should Protect CNII
1. To safeguard national security: This is the protection of systems and services that help the government, security, and emergency response agencies to work effectively, as damage to CNII can delay emergency response, impede critical digital intelligence gathering, weaken coordination, and endanger lives.
2. To ensure continuity of essential services:Ensuring important services keep working without interruption, such as banking, healthcare, education, transportation, and government services. CNII supports services, as any disruption can paralyse these sectors and affect millions of people.
3. To support economic growth and the digital economy: To drive our digital economy, there is a heavy reliance on telecom infrastructures, which form part of CNII. Ensuring these infrastructures are protected enables businesses, mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital platforms to operate smoothly, thereby supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
4. To improve the quality of service and protect consumers:
Vandalism and interference with CNII lead to dropped calls, slow internet, and service outages. Protecting these assets ensures reliable networks and efficient services, which will improve the consumer’s quality of experience and ensure value for money spent.
5. To protect the huge national investments made by Operators/Government/Investors, etc
Telecom and ICT infrastructure require significant capital investment. Frequent damage increases costs, discourages expansion and investment, and raises the cost of services.
How do I Protect Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
1. Do not vandalise or tamper with telecom facilities.
2. Report suspicious activities.
3. When I notice theft, vandalism, or suspicious movement around telecom infrastructure, I report it to security agencies, community leaders, or service providers to prevent service disruption.
4. Support community awareness creation in the protection of CNII
5. Cooperate during installation and maintenance works.
6. Respect construction and right-of-way rules.
Protect the telecom infrastructure; it is a national asset. Report vandalism or any suspicious activity to or call NCC ‘622’ Toll Free Line.
The DoNotDisturb (DND) service is one of the most impactful consumer protection tool introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) to address the persistent challenges of unsolicited messages and promotional communications in the telecom industry. It gives telecom consumers full control over the types of SMS alerts and marketing messages they receive on their mobile devices.
1. What is the DND Service?
The DND service is a service designed by the NCC (Nigerian Communications Commission) to protect Nigerian telecom consumers from unsolicited text messages. The service gives consumers the freedom to choose what messages they want to receive from various Service Providers when they activate the DND on their phone lines at no additional cost.
How to Use the DND Service
Telecom Consumers can activate or deactivate the DND service using the common short code 2442 across all networks.
i. To Activate Full DND
- Text STOP to 2442 to stop all unsolicited SMS & calls. Full DND does not allow the consumer to receive any unsolicited messages.
ii. To Activate Partial DND
- Text HELP to 2442. Partial DND allows the consumer to choose specific types of promotional/commercial communication messages they wish to receive, as follows;
- Text 1 to 2442 to receive Banking/Insurance/Financial Products.
- Text 2 to 2442 to receive Real Estate.
- Text 3 to 2442 to receive Education.
- Text 4 to 2442 to receive Health
- Text 5 to 2442 to receive Consumer Goods & Automobiles.
- Text 6 to 2442 to receive Communication/ Broadcasting/ Entertainment/IT
- Text 7 to 2442 to receive Tourism and Leisure.
- Text 8 to 2442 to receive Sports
- Text 9 to 2442 to receive Religion
- Text 10 to 2442 to receive Information on new products/services from the Service Provider
- Text 11 to 2442 to receive News Alerts
iii. Deactivate DND
Text ALLOW to 2442 to opt out entirely from DND.
iv. Check DND Status
Text STATUS 2442 to check and know your DND Status.
These options are simple, free, and accessible to all types of phones. (both feature phones/smart phones).
Telecom consumers are encouraged to use the service by texting STOP, HELP, ALLOW, or STATUS to 2442, depending on their preferences.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also introduced a unified code, of which *305# is the unified USSD code for Value-Added Services (VAS) across all mobile networks in Nigeria. This code enables consumers manage services that may be activated on their lines. Through this code (*305#), consumers can view their active VAS subscriptions and deactivate or opt out of any VAS they no longer want.
In addition to VAS management, consumers also have the ability to stop unsolicited /promotional messages by activating DoNotDisturb (DND) using the NCC-approved short code 2442.
Together, *305# and DND (2442) give consumers full control over unwanted deductions and unwanted promotional messaging:
- *305# helps stop unwanted charges by allowing consumers to opt out of any active VAS subscriptions.
- DND (2442) helps stop unsolicited/promotional SMS from Service Providers.
By using both tools, this combined approach ensures that consumers maintain complete control over both chargeable services and promotional content, resulting in a better consumer experience.
Note:Value-Added Services (VAS): They arenon-core mobile services offered by telecom operators that go beyond basic voice calls, SMS, and data. These services provide additional features in various forms of content, applications, alerts, entertainment, and interactive platforms delivered through mobile networks to enhance consumer experience
A- Avoid Suspicious Links: Don't click on links from unknown sources.
B- Back Up your Data: Regularly back up important files.
C- Create complex Passwords and change them regularly.
D- Download Software from Trusted Sources: Only download software from reputable websites.
Type Approval of devices is a mandatory regulatory requirement established by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003) to ensure that every telecom device and equipment used in the country meets approved technical and safety standards.
Why Type Approval is Important?
Type Approval process is not just a formality, it serves several purposes:
- Consumer Safety and Health: Type Approval protects consumers from using devices that may emit harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation
- Network Integrity and Performance: Type approval ensures that substandard equipment which degrade network quality, leading to dropped calls are not approved and allowed on the network
- Fighting Counterfeit and Substandard Products: Network Type approval ensures that Regulators check the importation of counterfeit, low-quality equipment into the country.
Risks of Using Non - Type Approved Devices
Operating telecom equipment without being Type Approved by the NCC is a serious concern. Some risks include:
- Poor Quality of Service: Non-Type approved devices can cause harmful network interference, disrupt service quality and reduce overall network performance.
- Exposure to Harmful Radiation: Endanger health by emitting unsafe levels of electromagnetic radiation that exceed internationally accepted thresholds, posing long-term risks to consumers.
- Impact on the Economy. The proliferation of non-type approved equipment substandard equipment impacts negatively on manufactures wishing to do the right thing and affects revenue generation for the Government.
International regulatory bodies such International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection(ICNIRP) have established strict radiation exposure limits that all telecom devices must comply with before being sold or used. By aligning with these global standards, the NCC ensures that Nigerian telecom consumers are protected both in terms of health, safety and service reliability.
How to Check if your Device is Type Approved
NCC has made it easy for telecom consumers to verify whether their phones or telecom devices are Type Approved:
- ENTER the Link : NCC Type Approval which will navigate you to the NCC Type Approval Portal
- Search Using Your Device Model Number
- Locate the model number on your device (usually found under “Settings > About Phone” or printed on the device packaging).
- Enter the model number into the search field on the NCC portal.
- The system will display whether your device is on the approved list.
- Take Action if device is Non-Type Approved
- Consumers can also reach out to NCC through the 622 Toll-Free Line for Assistance and Guidance and report cases so action can be taken against such sellers.
NCC’s Role in Device Type Approval and Consumer Protection
The NCC manages the processing of Type Approval applications. It also engages in consumer education and information campaigns to raise awareness on the use of non type approved and counterfeit devices. Consumers are encouraged to use the NCC 622 toll-free line for complaints and inquiries regarding telecom services
NCC message : “Take advantage of us, so that no one takes advantage of you.”
By choosing the Type Approved Devices, consumers not only protect their health but also ensure they are buying products that offer value for money and comply with global standards.
Fibre-optic technology forms the backbone of modern telecommunications in Nigeria enabling fast internet, clear voice calls, and reliable digital services. It involves the use of thin strands of glass or plastic (optical fibres) to transmit data. Unlike traditional copper cables, fibre provides extremely high bandwidth, faster data transmission, and low latency (fewer delays in file transfers). This makes it very useful for carrying out businesses, education, banking, healthcare operations, and other human endeavours
What is a Fibre Cut?
A fibre cut refers to a physical break, bend, or severe damage in optic fibre cables that interrupts the transmission of data. Since fibre optic networks are extremely sensitive, even small disruptions can cause complete service outages. Depending on the severity and location, a single fibre cut can impact a few users, entire neighborhoods, or even large regions.
What Causes Fibre Cuts?
Fibre cuts can happen due to several reasons, both accidental and intentional. Some of the most common causes include:
- Construction Activities: Excavation, road works, drilling, and trenching are the leading causes of accidental fibre damage. A single strike from heavy equipment can sever underground fibre cables.
- Animal Damage: Rodents sometimes chew on fibre cables, especially if they are not properly armored or buried deep enough in the ground.
- Weather and Natural Disasters: Floods, landslides, earthquakes, storms, and intense winds can damage aerial or underground fibre.
- Vandalism and Theft: While many fibre cuts are accidental, some unfortunately happen on purpose. This involves destroying cables or stealing cables to sell them in the black market, which disrupts internet service for everyone.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older fibre deployments that were not properly maintained may degrade or break over time.
- Accidental Human Errors: Mistakes during maintenance, relocation, replacing, or repairing of cables can lead to fibre damage.
How Does a Fibre Cut Affect You?
When a fibre cable is damaged, the impact on users can be significant:
- Service Outages: Consumers may lose access to internet, phone, and TV services entirely until repairs are completed.
- Reduced Speeds: If the network reroutes traffic through backup paths, users may experience slower speeds while browsing.
- Business Downtime: Enterprises relying on fibre for cloud services, video conferencing, or financial transactions can face operational and financial losses.
- Mobile Network Degradation: Since mobile towers depend to a large extent on fibre backhaul, a fibre cut can lead to poor call quality, dropped calls, and slower mobile data speeds.
- Consumer Dissatisfaction: Prolonged or repeated cuts damage trust in Service Providers, leading to frustration and churn.
To reduce these challenges, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Industry Stakeholders are working together to protect fibre infrastructure. This includes raising public awareness, collaborating with state governments, and treating fibre as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) that must be safeguarded.
Mobile data is the internet service provided by your Mobile Network Operator that allows you to go online without using Wi-Fi. It allows you to browse websites, use social media, watch videos, send emails, use apps online navigation and carry out online banking. However, without proper management, mobile data can disappear quickly, leading to unexpected costs or disrupted service. Taking control of your data usage is not only smart but necessary.
1. Monitor Your Data Usage
The first step in managing mobile data is awareness. Most smartphones come with features that allow you to track data consumption. Check regularly these settings to understand which apps consume the most data. Social media platforms and video streaming services are often the biggest culprits.
2. Set Data Limits
To avoid incurring high data bill, set a monthly data limit on your phone. Most devices allow you to set a data cap and receive notifications when you approach it. These help you stay within your plan and avoid extra charges.
3. Use Wi-Fi
Make Wi-Fi your best friend when it comes to saving mobile data. Connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks at home, in the office, or at secure public hotspots. Update apps, upload/download large files, and stream videos over Wi-Fi rather than mobile data.
4. Manage Background Data Usage
Many apps run silently in the background, consuming data without your knowledge. Disable background data for non-essential apps and allow automatic updates only when connected to Wi-Fi.
5. Stream Wisely
Streaming videos in high definition consumes a lot of data. Lowering the streaming quality or downloading content while on Wi-Fi for offline use can save huge amounts of data.
6. Data-Saving Features
Many browsers and apps have built-in data-saving modes. Activating these features compresses data, reducing the amount of information transmitted, as well as resolution.
7. Use Offline Features
Many apps provide offline functionality, such as Google Maps’ offline maps. Download content when Wi-Fi is on and use it later without consuming mobile data.
Taking control of your mobile data is about being proactive and intentional. By monitoring usage, setting limits, using Wi-Fi wisely, and taking advantage of data-saving features, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity without overspending. In a world where every megabyte counts, smart data management is the sure way to go.
Mobile Number Portability is a service that allows telecom consumers switch from one Service Provider to another without changing their phone number. This means you can enjoy better service, cheaper plans, or improved customer care while keeping the same number your contacts already know.
Why Should You Switch Networks?
- Better Call or Data Quality
- Cheaper plans or Promotional Offers
- Improved Customer Service from your current Service Provider
How Does MNP Work? - Visit the new Service Provider where you want to move your number.
- Request to port your number and fill out a porting form.
- Provide a valid ID to confirm your identity.
- Receive a new SIM card from the New Provider but keep using your old number.
Wait 24 to 48 hours for the porting process to complete.
Important Things to Remember
- Consumers should ensure they use up airtime/ data on their SIM cards before porting to another network, as it cannot be transferred.
- Clear any outstanding bills with your current Provider before requesting to Port
- Your line may be temporarily inactive for a few hours during the porting process
- You can only port your number once every 90 days, so choose carefully.
- Porting is free — you should not be charged extra fees.
- To check porting status or initiate a request, you can also send a text message with the word "PORT" to 3232 (the official short code).
- You will receive a confirmation SMS for the porting process; follow any further instructions promptly.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Switch
- Back up your contacts, messages, and important data before changing SIM cards.
- Make sure your device is compatible with the new network (especially for 4G or 5G services).
- Once the switch is complete, keep your new SIM active to avoid any delays or cancellations.
Mobile Number Portability gives you the freedom to choose the best network experience without the hassle of changing your number. Take advantage of this to enjoy better service!
- Abolish Auto play Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Facebook, X
- Block malwares which drain your data
- Choose data usage prioritisation and avoid binge watching
- Disable background data usage
- Eradicate annoying Ads with 3rd party Ad blockers
- Favour low data versions of apps, eg Facebook Lite, YouTube Go, Opera Mini
- Go to WiFi for iCloud Drive and backup, Android, IOS, and WhatsApp backup
- Hide your location in settings
- Implement passwords protection. Restrict hotspot usage and know who is using your data. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
- Jettison automatic downloads of status updates on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
- Know your usage appetite. Track pattern. Use an App on your Providers website
- Limit and delete unused Apps
- Migrate to data saving mode: Android /iPhone. Setting. Mobile service. Choose the phone number. Choose lower data mode
- NO to automatic app status updates
- Observe use of Offline downloads to view music/video, google maps, and watch repeatedly
- Promote the use of built-in phone data usage trackers. 1. Mobile service. Reset Statistics. Promote the use of usage alerts. 2. Apps. Settings. Internet. Carrier. Data warning and limit. And select the limit.
- Query data service terms. 30 days is only with responsible usage. Not a lifetime guarantee
- Remove or reduce phone notifications
- Stream affordably using SD not HD. Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Reddit, Spotify etc. are data hogs
- Technology you use affects your data consumption
- Use WiFi for downloads, app updates; Options are off, mobile and wifi or WiFi
- Verify your data plans. MNO plans. Promos, bundles and choose the best.
- Watch for unintentional overuse.
- X-ray, minimize use and roll over some of your data
- Yank off mobile data usage when not needed
- Zero archaic phones. Smart data needs smart devices.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enacted the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2024, which replaces the 2007 Regulations. This new framework strengthens the operationalization of consumer rights by establishing clear standards to protect, inform, and empower telecom users, ensuring they can make informed decisions in the marketplace.
Nigeria has one of the largest telecoms markets in Africa, with over 172 million active mobile subscribers. Most Nigerians and residents purchase their mobile devices from within the Country, and these are largely imported. However, not all handsets meet the required technical and safety standards.