Uganda Communications Commission and telecom operators are set to deactivate phones whose specifications fall short of minimum standards. Under the new system, mobile phones without authentic International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEL) will be disconnected.
According to Godfrey Mutabazi, UCC Executive Director, the move will help to address security, theft and safety of consumers arising from rapid changes in mobile phone technology.
“Equipment testing and approval is a mandate of communication regulatory bodies globally,” he stated.
Last week the regulatory body banned the sale of new sim cards and airtime on the streets.