Pressured by phone traders, government permits selected old models for import

The authorities will determine which models of old phones can be imported

Facing demands from protesting mobile phone traders, the interim government has decided to allow the import of old phones.

However, the authorities will determine which specific models may be brought in from abroad.

The decision was announced in a media statement by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications following continuous meetings with unofficial or grey market phone traders opposing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system.

In the multi-stakeholder meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday evening, it was also agreed that unregistered or unofficial phones could be registered until Mar 15.

The NEIR is set to officially come into effect from Dec 16.