The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has once again reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of consumers by warning against the danger of purchasing Non-Type Approved telecoms devices. In a recent sensitization workshop organized for service consumers, the NCC Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Akassim Umar, cautioned Nigerians to avoid buying substandard telecoms devices that have not met the necessary regulatory standards.
Non-Type Approved devices are substandard telecoms devices that have not been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission. The Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, emphasized the dangers associated with the usage of such devices, including poor quality of service, short periods of usage, and regular repairs. Therefore, users are encouraged to purchase only Type A Approved devices, and dealers are advised to endorse only devices that meet the NCC’s regulatory standards.
To further strengthen its position, the NCC has translated its warning into pidgin English, making it easier for grassroot consumers to understand. The Commission has established the Consumer Affairs Bureau to protect, inform, and educate consumers about their rights and privileges. The NCC hopes to create a platform where telecom consumers can interface with service providers through the Bureau.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Cell Phone and Accessories Dealers in the GMS Market, Macdonald Ugochukwu Ajuogu, stated that his union has a task force in place to check every product and service offered in the market. The NCC has also provided a toll-free line (622) for consumers to report complaints and inquiries and has enacted sanctions for those caught selling Non-Type Approved devices.
To identify Non-Type Approved devices, buyers are advised to seek approval from the NCC. The NCC then checks the device and approves it if it meets the required standards. The NCC has departments responsible for monitoring and enforcing sanctions, and dealers caught selling Non-Type Approved devices will face fines.
Traders in the market have complained about poor quality of service, prompting the NCC to encourage them to utilize the NCC short code 622 to report any telecom service complaints promptly.
In conclusion, it is advisable for Nigerians to only purchase Type Approved devices from dealers that have been approved by the NCC to ensure they are not buying substandard or fake devices. Finally, the NCC encourages consumers to report any complaints regarding telecom services through its toll-free line or short codes to secure prompt responses and find solutions.
