Telecom companies to switch-off fake phones from networks — SON

The Federal Government will soon order telecom companies in the country to effect a nationwide switch-off of over 12.6 million counterfeit phones from networks by using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

This was disclosed by Dr. Joseph Odumodu, Director General Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Speaking during an interactive forum with Phone Brand Owners in Lagos, the SON boss pointed out that in 2013 alone, over N5 billion was spent in Nigeria on the importation of substandard mobile phones, adding that as at April this year, Nigeria currently has a GSM subscriber base of 126,958,904; and 10 percent of these subscribers (12.6 million) use counterfeit phones.

He affirmed that the enforcement will boost consumer rights protection, increased revenue for the government via taxes; increase revenue for the genuine mobile phone manufacturers as well as improved GSM networks in the country.

According to him, SON is working out the plan with Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and Consumer Protection Council; the phone operators, and “Soon government shall announce the directive to switch the fake phones off the networks.”

He enjoined all brand owners to monitor and protect their products from the factories (manufacturers) until they get to the end-users.