BY GLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Communication (NCC) has alerted telecommunication consumers in the country on the hazardous effect involved in the use of counterfeit phones and telecommunication gadgets.
The Head of Zonal Operations of NCC, Ms Helen Obi, who made call during a sensitisation programme in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said the non-type approved handsets affect quality of service, damages the integrity of the network and poses health implication.
During the sensitization programme with the theme; ‘’The Hazardous Effect of Non-type Approved Handsets and Impact of Quality of Service,” Obi said the essence of the forum was to ensure that all equipment purchased for the purpose of carrying out communication services are satisfactorily utilised and users get value for their money.
Obi, who was represented by the Principal Manager, Zonal Operations Department, Mr Ekisola Oladisun, said it was important to shun counterfeit telecommunication gadgets as they pose security risk and bring about unfair competition.
In her words; “It is worthy of note, the public concern regarding the proliferation of non-type approved handsets and other terminal equipment in Nigeria market which has far reaching consequences on quality of service.
“Using type approved equipment improves quality of service, Network Integrity, as well as safety of the end users and protect telecommunication network from terminal equipment connected to it”.
In a paper presentation titled ‘Impact of counterfeit/Sub-standard Mobile Devices, the Head Wireless Network Unit NCC, Mr Chukwuma Nwaiwu, said counterfeit gadgets posed great threat on green environment.
He said it leads to revenue loss, incurred cost, drops in levels of Foreign Direct Investment and growth in the economy.
He said NCC is curbing the menace through sensitisation workshops, quality service monitoring tool, deployment of device management system and physical inspection of products and factory visits.
He recommended the establishment of accredited test laboratory in Nigeria, global and coordinated efforts in combating ICT counterfeiting and strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Nwaiwu called on Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on the need for development and implementation of policies that address the gaps in counterfeit business.
