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The Nigerian Government is Set to Track your Mobile Phones
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a bold step towards regulating mobile phones accessing communication networks nationwide.
The commission will take this step by introducing the Device Management System (NCC-DMS).
NCC To Regulate Mobile Phones Through NCC-DMS
The initiative is part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance security, curb device theft, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The NCC-DMS acts as a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that tracks phones using their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers.
By syncing these IMEIs with international databases, the commission will ensure that only registered and approved devices can work in Nigeria.
If any device isn’t registered it becomes blacklisted. According to the commission, blacklisting stolen or illegal phones will render them useless and reduce incidents of phone theft and snatching, as these devices would lose value.
Also, as part of its recently released ‘Type Approval Business Rule 2024,’ the commission has mandated that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria connect to the NCC-DMS. This includes MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
Benefits of The NCC New Initiative
This directive is expected to foster a more uniform and effective approach to managing mobile devices within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Also, the NCC-DMS can synchronize with international IMEI databases, allowing for real-time tracking and identification of all devices operating within Nigeria.
The new initiative will not only maintain a registry of all communication devices in the country but will also require all MNOs to synchronize their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs) with the NCC-DMS. This will ensure that devices accessing any Nigerian network are compliant with the Commission’s regulations.
The commission has also stipulated that device suppliers will be responsible for registering type-approved devices on the NCC-DMS.
Also Read: NCC to Tackle e-fraud and Data Breaches
Conclusion
Additionally, individuals will be responsible for registering devices through the DMS, but the number of devices allowed for registration will be limited, as determined by the Commission.
Note that all device registrations will incur a fee. These fees are distinct from the type approval fees previously in place, ensuring that every device in use is tracked through a formal registration process.
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