Safaricom to Comply With CCK Counterfeit Switch Off Deadline

Nairobi, 25th September 2012… Leading Integrated Communications service provider, Safaricom intends to commence the switch off of all counterfeit handsets on its network from 30th September 2012 at 2359 hrs. 
Approximately 600,000 out of Safaricom's 19.1 Million subscriber base will be affected by this switch off. Company CEO Bob Collymore, "we deeply regret the inconvenience that this switch off will cause to our innocent subscribers. We have been contacting all affected customers and providing them with affordable genuine options. Mr Collymore further stated that this "exercise will only be successful if all operators play their part. 

For technical reasons, Safaricom will conduct the counterfeit handsets switch off in phases. The exchange of data with other operators for blocked handsets will begin by the 1st of October to ensure cross network blocking.

Mr Collymore further stated that, "We recognise that blocking handsets alone is not the long term solution and we call for more support to the CCK by related Government t agencies to block entry and sale of the counterfeit devices and to step up prosecution of those who engage in the vice."
Safaricom subscribers can also confirm the authenticity of their handsets by dialling *#06# to get the IMEI number which they in turn send to 1555.
End…

Notes to the Editor 
About Safaricom Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs.100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. 
Safaricom pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, M-PESA now has over 18 million customers and over 39,000 Agent outlets countrywide.

Nairobi, 25th September 2012… Leading Integrated Communications service provider, Safaricom intends to commence the switch off of all counterfeit handsets on its network from 30th September 2012 at 2359 hrs. 
Approximately 600,000 out of Safaricom's 19.1 Million subscriber base will be affected by this switch off. Company CEO Bob Collymore, "we deeply regret the inconvenience that this switch off will cause to our innocent subscribers. We have been contacting all affected customers and providing them with affordable genuine options. Mr Collymore further stated that this "exercise will only be successful if all operators play their part. 

For technical reasons, Safaricom will conduct the counterfeit handsets switch off in phases. The exchange of data with other operators for blocked handsets will begin by the 1st of October to ensure cross network blocking.

Mr Collymore further stated that, "We recognise that blocking handsets alone is not the long term solution and we call for more support to the CCK by related Government t agencies to block entry and sale of the counterfeit devices and to step up prosecution of those who engage in the vice."
Safaricom subscribers can also confirm the authenticity of their handsets by dialling *#06# to get the IMEI number which they in turn send to 1555.
End…

Notes to the Editor 
About Safaricom Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs.100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. 
Safaricom pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, M-PESA now has over 18 million customers and over 39,000 Agent outlets countrywide.