In what appears to be respite for bank customers who are burdened by bank deductions from their accounts, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) rejigs her End User Billing (EUB) policy for USSD banking in Nigeria.
Before now it had been bundles of cries by bank customers over such deductions as in most cases customers are left as to who is to blame.
Presently, when subscribers use the USSD for transaction, they pay through their airtime, however, when it is used for banking transactions, most banks deduct the charge from customer’s bank account.
This process puts the consumer at the mercy of the banks such that they are not in control of their spending, thereby making them to and pay whatever deductions the banks slammed on them.
According the rejigged policy of the NCC, the consumer is now empowered to determine what he spends before a USSD session, thereby knowing exactly what has been spend immediately concluding the transaction.
A document by the Commission sighted by TechnologyMirror revealed that just like with calls, SMS and data sessions, the consumer needs wait till deductions are made from their bank account, which now makes the consumer to be in charge.
“With the EUB, now you get to pay for USSD with your airtime like you do on other transactions via your mobile phone”, the NCC document indicated.
Following this new development, according the NCC, there will be no more issues around USSD deductions from your bank account so that the consumer is free to opt-in or out of using USSD services for banking transactions.
“The EUB model is an important change in how customers are charged for transactions. It is being introduced to improve consumer quality of experience and to put customers in better control of their spending. There will be no more deductions from your bank account for USSD.
“The model also helps to resolve long-standing disputes over USSD service debts between banks and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have approved this change” the NCC noted in the document.
The Commission further stated that the NCC and CBN have put several measures in place to protect consumers saying that they include the following:
Better Information: Your banks must inform you of the switch to EUB before implementation. You are free to stop using the channel if you do not wish to pay through your airtime.
Better value: USSD will continue to be charged at N6.98k per session. A session can last up to 120 seconds, so you do not have to rush. This gives you better value as other transactions are charged at N1.63 per session of 20 seconds. This gives you a discount since you are paying N6.98 instead of N9.78.
The NCC urged consumers having challenges accessing the USSD platform or whilst transacting on the USSD platform to contact their bank or telecoms operator.
“If you experience any challenges in accessing the USSD platform, reach out to your network operator; if you have challenges whilst transacting on the USSD platform, please contact your bank directly for assistance. Both Banks and Telecom Operators are obligated to provide support and ensure that consumers can effectively use USSD channels without issues”, said the NCC.