Burundi: ARCT strengthens restrictive measures against counterfeit phones
October 6th 2019
At the end of a sensitization workshop on the import, sale and use of electronic communications equipment and terminals, on 3 October 2019 in Bujumbura, the Telecommunications Regulatory and Supervisory Agency ( ARCT) has taken some restrictive measures to strengthen the fight against the entry of these devices into the country.
It was agreed, inter alia, to establish a permanent border post office, enhance collaboration with the police, the Burundian Revenue Authority, and list all prohibited communication materials in Burundi.
Counterfeit phones are copies of devices from major telephone companies. If they seem identical to the original devices by name, a big difference remains on the standards.
According to the regulations in force, any importer of mobile phones must obtain a certificate of approval from the ARCT to introduce them into the country. This certificate guarantees that the telecoms regulator has made sure of the quality of the devices sold to the population. But, more concerned about their turnover, many traders often choose to circumvent the law without worrying about the negative impact on the market.
According to Donatien Manirampa (photo), the ARCT’s chief executive, many illegal cellphones are still sold in the market despite previous efforts to ban them. As a result, the quality of telecom services is bad and harms the consumer experience.
This bad experience reduces consumption, which in turn harms the revenues of telecom companies. With poor financial performance, the value of royalties paid to the state also falls.
Source: Agence Ecofin Back