… Gives A 14-Day Ultimatum To Offenders
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has read the riot act to unauthorized dealers and users of GSM (network) boosters, warning that it is ready to commence enforcement of its mandate to sanitise the sector in a bid to protect consumers.
In a public notice entitled “Pre-enforcement notice to unauthorized dealers and users of GSM (network) boosters,” published on its website on May 18, 2021, and signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, the Commission, stated: “The Nigerian Communications Commission informs the general public, particularly banks and other financial institutions, government agencies, telecommunications service providers, private/public companies, and owners/occupiers of residential premises, that the sale, installation and usage of GSM boosters is illegal.”
The Commission goes further to emphasise that the move is in exercise of its mandate of ensuring the protection of consumers, ensuring good quality of service and maintenance of technical standards of maintenance equipment. “In accordance with the provisions of section 131 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Commission hereby warns the general public that it is a criminal offence to sell, install or use any equipment which may hinder network operations, or which has not been type-approved by the Commission. Such acts may lead to monetary sanction and/or imprisonment, or both (fine and imprisonment) as well as the confiscation of any equipment used in the illegal enhancement of network coverage.”
According to the NCC, it 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 May 18, 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, fine and confiscation of equipment used.”
Network Signal Booster/Repeater provides the network reception in any area where cellular communications cannot work well due to leak of signals.
