[kictanet] CCK extends deadline for switch off mobile handsets

[Wambua, Christopher]

PRESS RELEASE

  
 

Listers

21st December 2011

RE: CCK EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SWITCH OFF OF COUNTERFEIT HANDSETS

The deadline for mobile operators to switch off subscribers using
counterfeit phones in the country was today extended for a four-month
period, effectively giving the affected subscribers reprieve to replace
their handsets before they are disconnected. 

ICT sector regulator, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK),
today announced the extension of the disconnection deadline from the end
of this month to April 30 next year.  

Acting CCK Director-General Mr. Francis Wangusi said the extension was
necessitated by the need to first undertake a consumer awareness
campaign and also for the industry to establish a mechanism through
which consumers could confirm the status of their mobile devices.  

The extension will also allow mobile operators to undertake the
requisite technical preparations in readiness for disconnecting
counterfeit handsets. 

The extension will provide the affected mobile subscribers with more
time to replace their mobile handsets in view of the prevailing hard
economic realities in the country. 

Mr. Wangusi said the industry was exploring the possibility of putting
in place a system through which subscribers would be able to interrogate
a central database via SMS to verify whether their devices are genuine
or not. 

Regulatory concern over counterfeit handsets stems from the fact that
counterfeit devices deny manufacturers of revenue through counterfeit
production of their products. 

In addition, use of counterfeit handsets may expose consumers to safety
and health risks as the phones may not meet the approved radiation
standards. Further, counterfeit devices typically enter markets via
unofficial channels thus denying the government of revenue.

According to industry statistics, close to 2.4 million mobile phones in
the market are counterfeit, representing 9.39 % of the active mobile
devices in the country.  

The ongoing initiative to rid Kenya of counterfeit mobile phones is
driven by CCK in conjunction with industry players, handset
manufacturers, and other relevant government agencies including KeBS,
Office of the President, Anti-Counterfeit Agency, and the Kenya Revenue
Authority.

Issued by:

 

Francis W. Wangusi

Ag. Director General      

 

 

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