It is criminal to sell or install unapproved telecom equipment - NCC

Tue, May 18, 2021
By editor
2 MIN READ

Business

By Anthony Isibor

THE Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC has warned stakeholders against using unapproved telecom equipment in the telecoms sector, stating that such illegal actions will elicit sanctions from the commission.
He also warned against the illegal use, installation, or sale of GSM boosters.
Ikechukwu Adinde, director, Public Affairs, issued the warning particularly to banks, other financial institutions, government agencies, telecommunications service providers, private/public companies, and owners/occupiers of residential premises.
According to him, the NCC, in the exercise of its mandate to protect consumers, ensure good quality of service, and maintain technical standards of telecommunication equipment, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 131 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003, warns the general public that it is a criminal offense to sell, install or use any equipment which may hinder network operations or which has not been type-approved by the Commission.

He also said that “Such acts may lead to monetary sanction and/or imprisonment, or both (fine & imprisonment) as well as the confiscation of any equipment used in the illegal enhancement of network coverage.

Adinde promised that the commission will continue to do its best to ensure a continuous collaborative working relationship with all relevant stakeholders in the industry.

“The Commission on its part will continue to deepen its collaborative efforts with telecoms service providers to facilitate the provision of ubiquitous telecoms infrastructure necessary to guarantee good quality of service across the nation.

“In view of the above, the Commission hereby gives a 14-day PRE-ENFORCEMENT NOTICE effective from the date of this publication to any person involved in the sale, installation, and use of the device to forthwith desist from such act.

“The Commission shall without further recourse and upon expiration of the deadline commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to prosecution, fines, and confiscation of equipment used,” He said.

– May 18, 2021 @ 17:45 GMT

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