The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has cautioned consumers against the patronage and use of devices that are not type approved by the commission as well as counterfeit devices.
It said such devices negatively affect the quality of 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 device.
The enforcement team arrested one 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.
Also arrested were Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications because they were not licensed to engage in the sales and installation of terminal equipment.
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 services.
Mallam Abdu said the Commission was determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices was 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.