The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said the unauthorized installation of network booster is illegal in Nigeria, warning the general public to desist from sales, installation and use of telecommunication boosters without authorisation.
In a public notice signed by its Director of Public Affairs, the telecom regulator said such an act is illegal and punishable by law.
“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 notice reads.
It added that in the exercise of its mandate of ensuring the protection of consumers, ensuring good quality of service and maintenance of technical standards of communication equipment, and 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 offense to sell, install or use any equipment which may hinder network operations or which has not been type-approved by the Commission.
The notice stressed that such acts may lead to monetary sanction and/or imprisonment, or both (fine & imprisonment) as well as the confiscation of any equipment used in the illegal enhancement of network coverage.
According to the notice, the Commission on its part 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.
It also gives a 14-day PRE-ENFORCEMENT NOTICE effective from the date of the publication to any person involved in the sale, installation and use of the device to forthwith desist from such act, failing the Commission shall without further recourse and upon expiration of the deadline commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to prosecution, fines, and confiscation of equipment used.