NCC capturing Nigerians IMEI Number: Some news media has wrongly pushed out news articles about submission of IMEI number. We thought it doesn’t make any sense for the Nigeria Communication Commission to that. So we decided to do our own findings.
First, the news media read a section of a publication by the commission and maybe didn’t quite understand it. Second, NCC is not requesting any Nigerian to submit his or her phone IMEI number to any network provider.
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It’s therefore a relief that Nigerians won’t be giving out their device IMEI during SIM registration.
But, there is actually something interesting going on. NCC actually will be capturing the IMEI number of Nigerians. And this has its good and bad side.
So, what is the good and bad side of NCC capturing Nigerians IMEI Number? Let’s find out.
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The good side of NCC capturing Nigerians IMEI Number
According to the commission, “it’s in the process of deploying a Device Management System (DMS). The DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks.”
Simply put, with the IMEI number captured belonging to Mr A, it will be easier to track and find it if stolen by Mr B. Also, it will enable the commission to know fake devices and block these devices.
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It all boils down to security and keeping the network space safe. Which is a good thing. But it’s not all good because there are some things to be considered.
The had side of NCC capturing Nigerians IMEI Number
The commission didn’t actually explain how this process would work. This is one big problem already. Will the device IMEI number be linked to the registered NIN to identify the device? Or will the DMS automatically link your IMEI and SIM card details?
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At this point we can only assume things. But, if the IMEI number is been link with your SIM card details, then this is bad. In Nigeria, most people buy second hand phones. This raises the question, what happens if Mr A sells his phone to Mr B?
Will Mr A have to do some ownership transfer documents? Or will the DMS automatically know and recognize that Mr B now owns the device?
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The possible solution to NCC capturing Nigerians IMEI Number
Tension has been high over social media since the wrong news appeared on social media. But what NCC is trying to do is not bad at all.
Although we agree the information they’ve release is not enough to know how this process would work. We’re hoping with time they’ll release more details but till then here is a possible solution.
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The possible solution is one, the DMS should be able to automatically link IMEI number with SIM card details. Even when a new SIM card is placed inside a pre-owned device, it automatically changes the details.
Two, the NCC to have some sort of stolen device report page. This way, when a phone is stolen from Mr A, he reports using the page and using the DMS the commission can track the phone using the new SIM card details inside.
Linking your SIM card details and capturing your IMEI number by NCC is a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s for the best interest of Nigerians if it’s properly executed.
To conclude, we want you to know that you are not meant to submit your IMEI number during your SIM card registration. Only your NIN is required for that. Ignore any news stating otherwise.
