AITI's Type Approval Labels To Protect Consumers

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Authority for Info-Communication Research Industry announced the introduction of "Type Approval Labels" to help reduce the cost of telecommunications equipment imported in the country.

During its Dealers Dialogue Session yesterday, senior officials from AITI said dealer licences are required for the importation and supply/sale of telecommunications and/or radio communications equipment.

Type approval is required for equipment coming into Brunei Darussalam to ensure standard ICT services, protect the integrity of telecommunications network, ensure compatibility and interoperability with telecommunications network and protect user safety.

AITI has identified three levels of evidence of demonstrating compliance, with each level having specific requirements for showing compliance with relevant standards, based on the risk of interference that may be expected from a particular piece of telecommunications equipment.

Level 1 applies to devices, whose non-compliance would have a low risk of causing interference to other devices using the radio frequency spectrum and the telecommunications network, including fax, telephone system PABX/KTS, ADSL modem, audio and video conference, SRD and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

Level 2 applies to devices, whose non-compliance would have a moderate risk of causing interference to other devices using the radio frequency spectrum and the telecommunications network, just as cordless telephone system, amateur radio, satellite phone, marine radio, pager, satellite receive and Kristal Astro.

Level 3 applies to devices, whose non-compliance would have a high risk of causing interference to other devices using the radio frequency spectrum and telecommunications network or have adverse consequences to personal safety, just as wireless modem, CMTS, base station, radar, radio data transceiver, high-power radio equipment, radio transceiver for aeronautical and walkie talkie radio.

The Telecommunications Order 2001

Under Section 34 of the Telecommunications Order 2001, it states that any person selling or has in possession telecommunications and radio communications equipment for the intent to sell without a licence granted by AITI may face a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin