Mobile phone importers asked to obtain licences

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has announced companies importing mobile phones are required to obtain licences from the Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA).

EnayatullahAlokozai, a spokesman for MoCIT, wrote on his X account mobile phone importers must secure licences from ATRA in accordance with the ministry’s decision in order to continue their operations legally.

He explained in addition to regulating telecommunication services in the country, the ministry was also responsible for the growth and development of technology nationwide.

To meet evolving demands and streamline procedures, the ministry consistently developed and implemented important systems, he informed.

Alokozai added steps had been taken to prevent the import of substandard and counterfeit mobile phones and to reduce the loss of citizens’ handsets.

A system has been established and put into operation for registering the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all mobile phones.

He emphasised mobile phone importers must register the specific IMEI numbers and obtain ATRA’s import licence before bringing mobile phones into the country.

He told all traders to refrain from importing mobile phones without ATRA’s licence. Any unlawful activity would result in legal action against the company concerned, he warned.

sa/mud