Counterfeit phone users get a life-line

Mobile phone users of counterfeit handsets in Kenya were thrown a life-line when it was announced that they will have until April next year to replace them with genuine models – or risk being cut-off from the networks.

The Communication Commission of Kenya took a decision to extend the deadline from 31 December this year to April, to give users more time to replace counterfeit units and to compile information about the handsets.

“The extension will also allow mobile operators to undertake the requisite technical preparations in readiness for disconnecting counterfeit handsets,” said Acting CCK Director General Francis Wangusi.

This is the second time that Kenya’s CCK has extended the cut-off deadline – the first deadline of 30 September was moved to 31 December to give mobile operators more time to prepare.

“The regulator, mobile operators and local vendors have recently acquired access to Global System of Mobile Association (GSMA) database which will enable us distinguish the counterfeits from authentic phones in this market,” said Nairobi Star.

Charlie Fripp – Acting online editor