The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is moving to clamp down on the unregulated sale, distribution, and importation of second-hand and refurbished smartphones and gadgets.
Under the proposed regulatory framework, the telecom regulator aims to establish stricter guidelines to curb the trade of stolen, tampered, or defective devices and ensure that only authorized entities engage in the market. Following a public hearing held on September 23 with industry stakeholders, the agency announced that it is accepting public feedback on the draft rules until October 1.
The regulator issued a firm warning regarding non-compliance under the upcoming guidelines, stating, “All unlicensed entities that are found importing, selling or trading in used or refurbished mobile phones, tablets and other similar devices shall be administratively sanctioned by the NTC”.