CRA issues violation notices to 35 shops caught illegally selling telecom devices

Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) conducted its first round of inspections for the year 2018 last month.

CRA authorities issued 35 written violation notices to shops that were caught selling telecommunications devices and equipment without the required license, according to Gulf Times.

The inspection was carried out by CRA’s technical inspectors to detect and take appropriate actions against shops that sell or use radio and telecommunications devices & equipment (RTTE) illegally.

The inspectors covered 78 shops and showrooms, targeting popular locations that sell these devices including malls, souks, commercial areas, as well as neighbourhood grocery stores, according to Qatar Tribune.

According to the inspectors, the percentage of violation reached 45%.

“Inspections are an important part of CRA’s role to protect consumers and ensuring they get certified telecommunications devices from licensed shops. Consumers may lose their rights if they buy telecommunications devices and equipment from unlicensed shops,” said Faisal Ali Al Shuaibi, who is the CRA’s Public Relations & Communications Manager.

CRA issued notices for a range of violations, the most common of them for shops selling mobile phones without valid license or authorization from CRA.

The notice requires the non-compliant shops to regularize their license in a specified period of time to avoid CRA’s appropriate legal action.

Other violations included selling RTTE equipment without having Type Approval Certificate from CRA, selling of illegal equipment and incorrect license for the practiced activity.