COMMUNICATOR NCC warns against non-type approved devices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to eliminate substandard and counterfeit mobile handsets and other telecommunication devices across the country. NCC’s head of Zonal Operations Department, Helen Obi said at a stakeholders sensitization workshop on the hazardous effect of non-type approved handsets and impact on quality of service held at Ibrahim Abacha Youth Centre, Shendam Road, Lafia, Nasarawa State. The Zonal Head was represented by principal manager of the department, Olatubosun Olakisola who stated that the workshop was organised to sensitise telecommunications consumers, particularly mobile phone users on the hazardous effects on-type approved handsets and the negative impact on quality of service. She said it was response to public concern regarding the proliferation of non-type approved handsets and other terminal equipment in Nigerian market which has far reaching consequences on the health, economy and environment. She said the commission deemed it imperative to educate the public on the menace of using non-type approved and substandard equipment.

As a responsible industry regulator, she said, the commission was committed to that the consumers were not shortchanged but enjoy their stake in the telecom industry.

Obi said, “As part of our enlightenment program, we are here on a sensitisation program to sensitise the public on the hazardous effects of non-type approved devices and its impacts.” “We have a data base where the public can assess all typeapproved handsets. We are talking about quality of service. Some of these handsets have to work with the network, we are talking about safety, protection to the network, protection of general public from all these dangerous equipments.” The event was attended by the public, youth groups and National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC) members.