The government of Kenya has confirmed that fake mobile phones will be indeed switched off at the end of this month. Government officials said the move was designed to protect consumers from hazardous materials and to safeguard mobile payment systems.
This move is also aimed at improving the ability to track users and be able to prevent incitements that can lead to violence ahead of the coming March 2013 general elections. According to the government officials, three million users were using counterfeit handsets as of June.
(http://0.tqn.com/d/goafrica/1/0/s/E/dv802074.jpg)
image:goafrica.about
The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) defines fake handsets as "copies of popular brands and models made from sub-standard materials" that have not been licensed by the organization.
They are sourced from China and other parts of Asia, as well as Nigeria and South Africa. CCK stated that the fake phones have not been put through safety checks and might emit higher than recommended radiation levels.
For those who aren't sure whether the handset they have genuine, they are allowed to check by sending a free SMS message containing their 15-number IMEI code to check that their handset is recognised as genuine.
The worry about the environmental damage that the abandoned phones will cause, was addressed, where Nokia and Samsung have partnered with a local recycling company and mobile service providers to allow users to safely dispose of counterfeit models at collection points in major cities.
Mobile phones contain many valuable and useful materials that can be recycled, including precious metals and plastics,as stated by Bruce Howe, general manager for Nokia East Africa.
For every one million phones recycled, it is possible to recover nearly 35kg of gold and 350kg of silver, which can be re-used in the production of future electronic goods.
For every one million phones recycled, it is possible to recover nearly 35kg of gold and 350kg of silver, which can be re-used in the production of future electronic goods.
ref:bbc