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South Sudan National Communication Authority: Consumer Rights

About Consumer Rights

Welcome to the Consumer Rights page of the South Sudan National Communication Authority (NCA). As the regulatory body overseeing communication services in South Sudan, the NCA is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all consumers. Below are the key rights and responsibilities that you, as a consumer, should be aware of:

Comprehensive Consumer Rights Table

Right to Safety
  • Safe Communication Environment: The NCA ensures that all communication services comply with safety standards, protecting consumers from harmful radiation and unsafe equipment.

  • Secure Online Transactions: The NCA works to protect consumers from online fraud, ensuring that digital transactions are secure and that personal information is safeguarded.

Right to Non-Deceptive Marketing
  • Truthful Advertising: Consumers have the right to truthful and non-deceptive advertising. Service providers are required to provide honest and clear information about their products and services, without misleading claims or hidden terms.

  • Fair Promotions: Any promotional offers must be transparent, with clear terms and conditions, so that consumers fully understand what they are signing up for.

Right to Equitable Service
  • Service to All Regions: The NCA ensures that communication services are not limited to urban areas but are extended to all regions, including rural and remote areas, to ensure equitable access for all citizens.

  • Inclusive Services: Service providers must ensure that their services are accessible to all, including people with disabilities, by providing necessary accommodations and accessible technologies.

Right to Compensation
  • Safe Communication Environment: The NCA ensures that all communication services comply with safety standards, protecting consumers from harmful radiation and unsafe equipment.

  • Secure Online Transactions: The NCA works to protect consumers from online fraud, ensuring that digital transactions are secure and that personal information is safeguarded.

Right to Data Portability
  • Access to Personal Data: Consumers have the right to access their personal data held by service providers. The NCA ensures that you can request and receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

  • Transfer of Data: If you decide to switch service providers, you have the right to transfer your personal data to another provider without any hindrance, ensuring a smooth transition.

Right to Informed Consent
  • Consent for Service Changes: Service providers must obtain your explicit consent before making significant changes to the terms and conditions of your service, including changes in pricing, service levels, or contract terms.

  • Opt-Out Options: You have the right to opt out of unsolicited marketing communications and promotional messages. Service providers must respect your choices and provide easy options to unsubscribe from such communications.

Right to Redress and Compensation
  • Access to Redress Mechanisms: If a service provider violates your rights or fails to meet its service obligations, you have the right to seek redress. The NCA ensures that there are accessible, effective channels for filing complaints and seeking resolution.

  • Compensation for Losses: Consumers are entitled to compensation for any losses incurred due to service failures or provider negligence. The NCA enforces rules that require service providers to compensate consumers fairly and promptly.

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Confidential Communication: Your communication should remain private and secure. The NCA enforces laws that protect your calls, messages, and internet usage from being intercepted or disclosed without your consent.

  • Control Over Personal Data: Consumers have the right to control how their personal data is used. The NCA ensures that service providers only collect, use, and share your data in ways that you have agreed to and that are lawful.

Right to Transparent Billing
  • Clear and Accurate Billing: Consumers have the right to receive bills that are clear, detailed, and accurate. The NCA requires service providers to itemize charges on bills, so consumers understand exactly what they are paying for.

  • Dispute Resolution for Billing Errors: If a billing error occurs, consumers have the right to dispute the charge and receive a prompt correction. The NCA oversees the processes that service providers use to address and resolve billing disputes.

Right to Fair Contracts
  • Clear Contract Terms: Consumers have the right to understand the terms and conditions of any contract they enter into with a service provider. The NCA ensures that contracts are written in clear, understandable language, without hidden clauses that could disadvantage consumers.

  • Freedom to Exit Contracts: Consumers have the right to exit a contract if the service provider fails to meet their obligations. The NCA regulates contract termination terms to protect consumers from unfair penalties or barriers to switching providers.

Right to Fair Pricing
  • Cost-Reflective Tariffs: The NCA ensures that the pricing of communication services is fair, transparent, and based on the actual cost of service provision. Consumers have the right to services that are affordable and free from hidden fees or unjustified price increases.

  • Protection from Exploitative Practices: The NCA prevents service providers from engaging in price gouging or implementing fees that are disproportionate to the service provided.

Right to Accessible and Inclusive Services
  • Universal Access: Every consumer has the right to access communication services, regardless of their location or socio-economic status. The NCA ensures that even those in the most remote areas can connect to the communication grid through initiatives like the Universal Service and Access Fund.

  • Inclusive Services for All: The NCA mandates that service providers offer services that cater to all citizens, including those with disabilities. This includes ensuring that communication platforms are accessible to individuals with different needs.

Right to Safe and Secure Communication
  • Data Privacy and Protection: Consumers have the right to have their personal data and communication content kept confidential. The NCA enforces stringent data protection regulations to ensure that your information is not misused or unlawfully accessed.

  • Protection from Fraud: The NCA works to protect consumers from fraudulent activities, including unauthorized charges, phishing scams, and identity theft. We ensure that service providers implement robust security measures to protect your communication.

Right to High-Quality Service
  • Service Reliability: Consumers have the right to receive consistent and uninterrupted communication services. The NCA monitors service providers to ensure they meet the required standards for quality and reliability.

  • Prompt Resolution of Service Interruptions: In the event of service disruptions, consumers have the right to timely and effective resolution. The NCA ensures that service providers have mechanisms in place to address and resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Right to Informed Choices
  • Transparency in Offerings: Consumers have the right to full disclosure of the services they are purchasing. This includes clear information on pricing, service features, limitations, and any potential changes to service agreements.

  • Comparative Information: The NCA ensures that consumers can compare different service providers and their offerings easily, enabling informed decisions based on clear and unbiased information.

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Consumer Right
Application
Right to Safety
  • Safe Communication Environment: The NCA ensures that all communication services comply with safety standards, protecting consumers from harmful radiation and unsafe equipment.

  • Secure Online Transactions: The NCA works to protect consumers from online fraud, ensuring that digital transactions are secure and that personal information is safeguarded.

Right to Non-Deceptive Marketing
  • Truthful Advertising: Consumers have the right to truthful and non-deceptive advertising. Service providers are required to provide honest and clear information about their products and services, without misleading claims or hidden terms.

  • Fair Promotions: Any promotional offers must be transparent, with clear terms and conditions, so that consumers fully understand what they are signing up for.

Right to Equitable Service
  • Service to All Regions: The NCA ensures that communication services are not limited to urban areas but are extended to all regions, including rural and remote areas, to ensure equitable access for all citizens.

  • Inclusive Services: Service providers must ensure that their services are accessible to all, including people with disabilities, by providing necessary accommodations and accessible technologies.

Right to Compensation
  • Redress for Service Failures: If a service provider fails to meet the standards of service, you have the right to seek compensation. This includes instances of prolonged service outages, incorrect billing, or failure to deliver agreed-upon services.

  • Refunds and Credits: In cases of overcharging or service disruptions, you may be entitled to refunds or credits, which service providers must process in a timely manner.

Right to Informed Consent
  • Consent for Service Changes: Service providers must obtain your explicit consent before making significant changes to the terms and conditions of your service, including changes in pricing, service levels, or contract terms.

  • Opt-Out Options: You have the right to opt out of unsolicited marketing communications and promotional messages. Service providers must respect your choices and provide easy options to unsubscribe from such communications.

Right to Data Portability
  • Access to Personal Data: Consumers have the right to access their personal data held by service providers. The NCA ensures that you can request and receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

  • Transfer of Data: If you decide to switch service providers, you have the right to transfer your personal data to another provider without any hindrance, ensuring a smooth transition.

Right to Redress and Compensation
  • Access to Redress Mechanisms: If a service provider violates your rights or fails to meet its service obligations, you have the right to seek redress. The NCA ensures that there are accessible, effective channels for filing complaints and seeking resolution.

  • Compensation for Losses: Consumers are entitled to compensation for any losses incurred due to service failures or provider negligence. The NCA enforces rules that require service providers to compensate consumers fairly and promptly.

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Confidential Communication: Your communication should remain private and secure. The NCA enforces laws that protect your calls, messages, and internet usage from being intercepted or disclosed without your consent.

  • Control Over Personal Data: Consumers have the right to control how their personal data is used. The NCA ensures that service providers only collect, use, and share your data in ways that you have agreed to and that are lawful.

Right to Fair Contracts
  • Clear Contract Terms: Consumers have the right to understand the terms and conditions of any contract they enter into with a service provider. The NCA ensures that contracts are written in clear, understandable language, without hidden clauses that could disadvantage consumers.

  • Freedom to Exit Contracts: Consumers have the right to exit a contract if the service provider fails to meet their obligations. The NCA regulates contract termination terms to protect consumers from unfair penalties or barriers to switching providers.

Right to Transparent Billing
  • Clear and Accurate Billing: Consumers have the right to receive bills that are clear, detailed, and accurate. The NCA requires service providers to itemize charges on bills, so consumers understand exactly what they are paying for.

  • Dispute Resolution for Billing Errors: If a billing error occurs, consumers have the right to dispute the charge and receive a prompt correction. The NCA oversees the processes that service providers use to address and resolve billing disputes.

Right to Fair Pricing
  • Cost-Reflective Tariffs: The NCA ensures that the pricing of communication services is fair, transparent, and based on the actual cost of service provision. Consumers have the right to services that are affordable and free from hidden fees or unjustified price increases.

  • Protection from Exploitative Practices: The NCA prevents service providers from engaging in price gouging or implementing fees that are disproportionate to the service provided.

Right to High-Quality Service
  • Service Reliability: Consumers have the right to receive consistent and uninterrupted communication services. The NCA monitors service providers to ensure they meet the required standards for quality and reliability.

  • Prompt Resolution of Service Interruptions: In the event of service disruptions, consumers have the right to timely and effective resolution. The NCA ensures that service providers have mechanisms in place to address and resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Right to Accessible and Inclusive Services
  • Universal Access: Every consumer has the right to access communication services, regardless of their location or socio-economic status. The NCA ensures that even those in the most remote areas can connect to the communication grid through initiatives like the Universal Service and Access Fund.

  • Inclusive Services for All: The NCA mandates that service providers offer services that cater to all citizens, including those with disabilities. This includes ensuring that communication platforms are accessible to individuals with different needs.

Right to Informed Choices
  • Transparency in Offerings: Consumers have the right to full disclosure of the services they are purchasing. This includes clear information on pricing, service features, limitations, and any potential changes to service agreements.

  • Comparative Information: The NCA ensures that consumers can compare different service providers and their offerings easily, enabling informed decisions based on clear and unbiased information.

Right to Safe and Secure Communication
  • Data Privacy and Protection: Consumers have the right to have their personal data and communication content kept confidential. The NCA enforces stringent data protection regulations to ensure that your information is not misused or unlawfully accessed.

  • Protection from Fraud: The NCA works to protect consumers from fraudulent activities, including unauthorized charges, phishing scams, and identity theft. We ensure that service providers implement robust security measures to protect your communication.

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Comprehensive Consumer Rights Table

Licensee Obligations to Consumers

  1. A list and description of the equipment and services it offers, including the rates, terms, and conditions for those equipment and services.

  2. Service quality levels offered, the waiting time for initial connection and where applicable, service areas and coverage maps.

  3. For subscription services, a sample contract for the services provided, and specific and clear information regarding contract cancellation, and where contracted quality service levels are not met, whether refunds or other arrangements are offered.

  4. Where a licensee offers consumers equipment in connection with the service, information with regards to contractual warranties relating to those equipment (if any) as well as specific information regarding maintenance services for those equipment including sample contracts for those equipment.

  5. The commencement and termination dates of contracts, and where applicable, renewal of contracts as well as a description of every component service or product included with the service.

  6. Services that are bundled together such as services from third parties.

  7. Disconnection and reconnection policies of all services in the contract and any applicable fees.

  8. Terms and conditions that may apply to a refund of any deposits to the consumers.

  9. The licensee’s Complaint handling process and methods for resolving disputes for both postpaid and prepaid services.

  10. A licensee shall provide contracts in electronic (digital) or paper format in English and upon request, in one of the official regional working languages in the Republic of South Sudan.

  11. The information required in contracts shall be delivered to consumers by email, text message or other preferences as agreed to with the consumer.

  12. A licensee shall provide pricing and rate information to the consumer in clear, understandable, and accurate language on a website that is dedicated to pricing and in writing at service centers or on demand text service using short code.

  13. A licensee shall have the obligation to service continuity and where any interruption is envisaged, due notice should be provided to consumers.

  14. In providing access to Telecommunications Services, a licensee shall have the obligation to ensure no discrimination against all consumers in any form of denial of access to services or provisions.

  15. A licensee shall provide to consumers who inquire about services free of charge, in electronic format, full pre-contractual information about their services in language that is clear, understandable, helpful, and accurate in English, or any suitable language of communication.

  16. The pre-contractual as well as service contractual information provided by a licensee to consumers must include, at a minimum, the information provided below.

Your Role as a Consumer

While the NCA is committed to protecting your rights, you also play a crucial role in ensuring that the communication services in South Sudan continue to improve:

Take Action
 

Read the Policy 

National Communications Standards, Specifications, and Type Approval Regulations, 2016

Apply Online 

Apply for type apporval online 

Apply Physically 

Download type approval application from 

Get in Touch 

Contact us for infromation or follow-up 

Stay Informed:

Keep yourself updated about your rights and the services provided to you. Read the terms and conditions of your contracts and be aware of any changes.

Use Services Responsibly

Abide by the terms of service, use communication resources wisely, and respect the privacy and rights of others.

Report Issues

If you encounter any problems with your communication services, report them to your service provider or the NCA. Your feedback helps us maintain high standards.

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