By CHIDIEBERE NWANKWO
The nation’s regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its warning against the unauthorised acquisition and use of signal boosters by service providers and users.
A statement from the regulator, signed by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs Department, Nnenna Ukoha states: “The NCC hereby notifies all stakeholders, service providers, businesses, and members of the general public that the acquisition, installation, and operation of signal boosters without proper authorisation from the Commission is strictly prohibited”
A telecom signal booster amplifies weak cellular signals to provide a stronger, more reliable connection for mobile devices. The systems are used on masts, in homes, offices, and vehicles to eliminate dead zones, improve call quality, and increase data speeds. They work by capturing weak signals from a cell tower, strengthening them, and rebroadcasting them to devices indoors.
Citing Sections 131 and 133 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the provisions of Regulation 4(1)(a) & (b) of the Nigerian Communications (Type Approval) Regulations, 2024, the NCC had noted that the Commission may grant a provisional Type Approval for communication prototype for a trial period that may be determined by it to encourage research and development. Upon conclusion of the trial or experiment network access, the service and equipment used shall be deactivated and a report of the trial communicated to the Commission.
The NCC warned that offenders will bear the brunt of the regulator’s sanction. “Further to the above, you are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance to avoid regulatory action for non-compliance and possible prosecution.”
Sections 133 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 stipulates that “a person who sells or installs any communications equipment or facilities without first obtaining the Commission’s type approval test certificate therefor commits an offence and on conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding N100,000.00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, a licensee who installs or sells any communications equipment or facilities without first obtaining the Commission’s type approval test certificate therefor is liable to pay fine to the Commission in such amount as the Commission may determine.”
