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NCC to deactivate fake, stolen phones from telecoms networks

*The Nigerian Communications Commission explains the  proliferation of such devices is raising concerns about national security, performance, quality of service delivery and potential revenue losses for all stakeholders

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of Commission’s regulatory mandate to protect consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has activated a process to monitor, manage and secure the telecommunications sector of the country’s economy.

ConsumerConnect gathered that the Commission (NCC) is currently finalising plans to disconnect fake and counterfeit phones from all networks in Nigeria.

Smartphones

The process is expected to be implemented through the deployment of Device Management System (DMS).

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DMS refers to a technology solution that will enable the telecoms regulator to disconnect any phone flagged as stolen in the Nigerian ecosystem.

Rationale for the process

Shedding light on the need to deploy the solution in the West African country, NCC said: “A considerable number of counterfeit ICT devices have found their way into global markets, including in Nigeria.

In regard to  rationale for the deployment of the solution in Nigeria, NCC said: “A considerable number of counterfeit ICT devices have found their way into global markets, including in Nigeria.

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“The proliferation of these devices is raising concerns about national security, performance, quality of service delivery and potential revenue losses for all stakeholders.”

The Commission further stated: “This has led to the call by ITU Member States, particularly those in developing countries to address the issue, especially its negative effects and to study the impact of measures taken to address it.”

In respect of the inherent risks of using such fake devices in the ecosystem, the NCC noted: “Counterfeit mobile devices pose security and health risks to the consumer as well as economic risks to the brand that is being counterfeited.

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“In the background of Boko Haram in Nigeria and other terrorist groups using cloned cell phones, many key security concerns relating to counterfeit electronic devices arise.”

Besides, the NCC will leverage the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), which is the unique number for each device, which is registered the moment a phone is connected in order to accomplish this objective.

The Information Memorandum (IM) on the project as well noted that the DMS solution would enable the Commission to monitor, manage and secure the telecommunications sector in the country.

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It was also learnt that this process would provide a single control point for comprehensive device management for mobile and network devices in Nigeria.

Deployment of DMS system

The DMS is a type of central remote management software used to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices that are deployed across the various mobile service providers, and across the various mobile operating systems in a country.

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The DMS system will create a single window for telecom devices enabling the NCC to proactively identify illegitimate or substandard devices that are not permitted on the Nigerian telecoms networks.

The NCC intends to achieve the deployment of this DMS system, using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, according to report.

In this arrangement, the private partner will establish, operate, and manage a DMS for the estimated 200 million telecommunications subscribers in the country.

The DMS as well is designed to address the proliferation of fake, counterfeit, substandard, and cloned mobile devices in the telecoms space in Nigeria.

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The DMS will enable NCC to collect International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data and integrate it into NCC’s type approval process.

This is with a view to blacklisting and rendering inoperable any stolen, illegal mobile phones and other smart devices.

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This solution is expected to reduce mobile phone theft, protect consumers’ interests, and enhance national security.

Initiative requires FEC’s approval

As the process has reportedly commenced, the telecoms regulatory Commission as well stated that the final implementation of the project has to be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in Abuja, FCT.

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