NCC warns against use of non-type approved phones

The Nigerian Communications Commission , NCC has cautioned consumers against the patronage and use of devices that are not type approved by the commission and counterfeit devices, pointing out that such devices negatively affect the quality of experience / services while leaving the users vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.

The warning followed the Commission’s enforcement activities in Kano where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit as well as non-type-approved devices and has handed them over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further action.
The enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and not being able to show any evidence of authorization granted to the company by the Commission while Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications were also arrested because they were not licenced to engage in the sales and installation of terminal equipment and were unable to show any evidence of authorization from the Commission in that connection.

The NCC’s Head of Enforcement, Mallam Salisu Abdu, who led the team, expressed concern on how counterfeit and non-type approved phones were displayed with impunity at the GSM Market on Beirut Street, Kano, pointing out that many of the vendors were not licensed by the Commission to provide such communication service they rendered.

Mallam Abdu said the Commission was determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped and would collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licences are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices.

The non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990; H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351; FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.

Chioma Ezike