The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has announced the launch of a code of ethics to help regulate the industry.

President of the Association, Lanre Ajayi said the code of ethics has been approved by all members of the organisation and sets the standards according to which telecoms companies will be governed in conducting business.

He said, "The code of ethics is a self-regulatory to regulate the conduct of members, set parameters for ethical standards and instill discipline in members, is derived from the ATCON constitution."

The code, Ajayi said, will guide ATCON members as the association pushes for industry self-regulation.

"The national executive council of the association has recognised the need for a voluntary industry self-regulatory process. This shall guide the activities of member companies in their dealings with customers and fellow member organisations. When you set a code of ethics and your members agree to abide by it, anybody that violates it will be penalised. You don't wait till the regulator uses the big stick; it is always better for the industry to self-regulate, to discipline itself, to earn the respect of its customers," Ajayi said.

The Association claims the regulation will also protect the consumer. "It would protect consumers from quackery as members would be bound by certain rules of professional and ethical conduct. The code will ensure that complaints of unethical and unprofessional behaviour and practices by member companies are investigated and defaulting companies appropriately sanctioned."

The code also makes provision for remedial action in the event that any member contravenes rules.

"...any identified infraction by a member company was remedied to the satisfaction of the customer or complainant. It will promote ATCON's image as a responsible industry association and will encourage other organisations to do business with its member companies," Ajayi concluded.