Fake phones are often purchased by consumers unaware of the substandard components used to make them but they have serious impact on the industry and governments and pose potential risk to health of consumers.
Unlike the hundreds of safety checks genuine mobile phone products must pass before hitting the shelves, counterfeit phones are not tested for compliance with industry safety standards.
And a new report into the black market devices has revealed they can contain high levels of lead and other substances which are a danger to the environment and human health.
While criminals see the production and sale of counterfeit goods as a lucrative, low-risk business model, this illicit activity not only harms genuine manufacturers but also puts the consumers at front line of severe risk.
It is disturbing that in 2013 alone, over N5 billion was spent in Nigeria on the importation of substandard mobile phones.
Particularly disheartening is that at the current GSM subscriber base of 127 million; and 10 percent of the subscribers (12.6 million) use counterfeit phones.
That is why we welcome the order by the federal government on telecom companies in the country to switch-off the over 12.6 million counterfeit phones from networks by using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
In all intent and purposes, the switch off of fake phones in the country will help protect consumers; increase revenue for the government via taxes; increase revenue for the genuine mobile phone manufacturers as well as improved GSM networks in the country.
On the part of the phone manufacturers, they should inscribe coded identification marks on original phones to ensure traceability and proper user’s guide.
They should also look beyond making money by considering the negative effects substandard phones have on the economy, the environment and the consumer.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the apex regulator of the telecom industry should also step up sensitization and awareness campaigns on the dangers of buying fake phones.
Phone manufacturers, mobile phone operators and the relevant agencies should join hands to curb the menace.
Most importantly, mobile phone users should only buy devices from registered manufacturers and trusted retailers.