Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned against the sale and use of GSM network boosters for mobile connectivity especially by banks, residents, government agencies, among others to improve telecommunications services.
A GSM booster or network booster is a device that is meant to amplify the network strength of a particular network. Just like its name, it boosts the network signal you are sending and receiving, meaning it’s meant to increase browsing speed, download speed, upload speed, etc.
According to a memo released via NCC’s official website on Tuesday, May 18, the use of GSM booster remains illegal in Nigeria, except for certified users.
In the notice, NCC said it was only exercising 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 stated;
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.
Read the full notice below;
The Nigerian Communications Commission informs the general 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.
In 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 offence to sell, install or use any equipment which may hinder network operations or which has not been type-approved by the Commission. 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.
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 added;
In view of the above, the Commission hereby gives a 14-day PRE-ENFORCEMENT NOTICE effective from the date of this publication to any person involved in the sale, installation and use of the device to forthwith desist from such act.
The Commission shall without further recourse and upon expiration of the deadline commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to prosecution, fine, and confiscation of equipment used.
