Mozambique's telecommunications regulator Instituto Nacional das Comunicações de Moçambique (INCM) has issued a stern warning against the continued use of radio and telecommunications equipment in the country which it claims interferes with telecommunications services.

The regulator says the illegal equipment is being marketing and sold without post-assessment approval which is a prerequisite in Mozambique.

A statement issued by INCM reads, "In view of this situation, and in the use of its powers defined by the Telecommunications Law (Law 4/2016, of 3 June), which are embodied in the regulation and supervision of the telecommunications, as well as in the management of the radio-frequency spectrum. INCM advises providers, vendors and users of radio that import, market and use devices that operate DECT 6.0 (or other) technology that operate in the frequencies from 1900 to 2100 MHz in the national territory to stop doing so as well as those using equipment that carries out fraudulent termination which is prohibited in Mozambique like SIM-BOX, for example. Communications equipment which poses a health hazard or which impairs the security of land, sea and aeronautical mobile services (mobile telephones) for example Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is also barred. The importation of radiocommunications and telecommunications equipment without an import declaration issued by INCM is also prohibited...In the exercise of its powers, the Regulatory Authority will confiscate all equipment that has not been approved or that violates the law."

INCM stressed that it is the only authority that can approve radiocommunication equipment and queries should be directed to its headquarters in Maputo or to officials in provincial offices in Beira, Nampula, Tete and Quelimane.

Nigeria concern

The illegal use of telecommunications equipment has also been a major concern in Nigeria over the last few weeks.

Late last month, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said attention had been drawn to the fact that GSM Boosters are being used illegally by some individuals in Nigeria.

"Individual desirous of using the GSM Booster should note that they can only do that in conjunction with licensed network operators. Note that GSM Boosters are devices that transmit and receive telecommunications signals and can therefore interfere with other radio frequency equipment. For the avoidance of doubt, wilful interference with any wireless telegraphy is an offence under Section 16 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 2004. The Commission will not condone any flagrant breach of this law."

Prof Danbatta also indicated that mechanisms have accordingly been put in place to monitor and catch anyone using the GSM booster without obtaining approval of a duly licensed network in Nigeria.

He urged the public to contact the NCC with information regarding the illegal use of GSM Boosters in order for those doing so to be arrested and prosecuted.

Local media have reported on raids conducted by the NCC in the Ikoyi area of Lagos during which installations alleged to have caused network interference to customers on the 9mobile network were seized.