The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has again come to the rescue of embattled 9mobile.
The Telecom regulator recently stormed Lagos state to identify organizations whose equipment had been interfering and degrading 9mobile’s services following the telecommunications operator’s complaints of frequency interference.
Head, Enforcement Unit at the NCC, Mr. Salisu Abdu, on a search and rescue mission in Lagos said the team was able to identify the culprits causing the network interference to the four locations.
“We are in Lagos today in respect of a complaint we received from 9mobile in respect of a frequency interference they are having in their network. We have investigated the complaints and found that the interference signal was localized at four locations here in Lagos, particularly in Ikoyi axis.
“We got all the locations. They are four. Fortunately, we realized that they had all removed the equipment causing the interferences on 9mobile network following our initial notice earlier served them to desist from the use of GSM boosters to jam network.
Abdu explained that under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, it is illegal for any person or organization to install any communications equipment capable of causing threats to service interoperability because such a practice degrades the quality of service.
“This equipment called GSM boosters were installed and were being used illegally. What they actually do with GSM booster is to improve the quality of service in their own premises at the detriments of neighbouring residents.
“So, what the equipment does is to extort services from other telecoms services users around and localize within the user’s premises.
“While the use of GSM booster can be seen as an advantage to the user, it is a disadvantage to the neighbours. It is illegal to do that in accordance with the provision of the telecoms laws and they have removed all the equipment.
The identified firms are Page Microfinance Bank, GMT Energy Resources, Club 57 and another property located on No 61, Ademola Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.
While the first three culprits according to reports were tracked, the team could not gain access into the premises of the fourth located on No. 61, Ademola Street in Ikoyi.
Audu however revealed that the team has so far confiscated the GSM booster found with Page Microfinance Bank just as it found that GMT Energy Resources and Club 57 not only removed the equipment before the team came but had also returned the equipment to their vendors.
