'Gov't to switch off fake phones, stolen devices,' Communications Authority says
!['Gov't to switch off fake phones, stolen devices,' Communications Authority says 'Gov't to switch off fake phones, stolen devices,' Communications Authority says](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/8890/conversions/phones-og_image.jpg)
File image of mobile phones. PHOTO|COURTESY
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has vowed to switch off stolen and counterfeit mobile phones.
In a statement, the Authority said it would develop a
database for all mobile devices in the country, separating the legal from
illegal devices, with the latter being denied service by mobile network
operators (MNOs).
“The system will enable the registration of mobile devices,
verification of IMEIs, identification of counterfeit, stolen or lost devices
and illegal devices,” read a statement by the CA on Tuesday.
“The system shall function by analyzing data dumps received
from MNOs and generate a blacklist, a white list and a grey list.”
According to CA, the move seeks to wipe out fake and
illegal phones that have found their way into the market.
CA went further to state that mobile operators would deny
services to subscribers using mobile phones whose IMEI numbers have been
blacklisted by the regulator as they are counterfeit or have been acquired
through dubious means such as theft.
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number
to a mobile phone and is used in their identification.
In order to combat Counterfeit, Stolen and Illegal ICT
Devices in Kenya, importers would be required to submit the IMEI number of
gadgets that they will be bringing into the market in the future so as to lock out
any illegal mobile handsets and other ICT devices from entering the Kenyan
market.
“The authority shall establish a system to help combat the
proliferation of counterfeit and illegal ICT devices as well as curb theft of
ICT devices,” reads the guidelines, which CA published on Tuesday and invited
Kenyans to submit views.
The Authority further noted that the mobile operators will
be required to deny services to subscribers with counterfeit and illegal
devices but notify them first.
Similarly, CA stated that mobile operators will be required
to put in place systems in their networks that will enable them to integrate
with the CA’s management system which would be integrated with the global IMEI
database.
CA consequently noted that it would be required to deny
services to subscribers who use the counterfeit and illegal devices but would
issue a notice prior to taking the action.
“The MNOs shall reference the System and deny access to
their communication networks any IMEI that is blacklisted under the direction
of the Authority upon notification of the consumer,” CA stated.
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