As digital access and mobile device usage have surged in recent years, Cameroon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) reminds consumers of the vital importance of using certified and compliant equipment. This is not merely a technical choice—it’s a matter of service quality, network security, public health, and user protection.

WHY DEVICE CERTIFICATION MATTERS
Certification of phones, tablets, and other terminal devices ensures they meet Cameroon’s technical and regulatory standards. Overseen by TRB, this process guarantees that devices sold in the country do not disrupt operator networks, pose no safety risks to users, and deliver optimal performance.
“A non-certified device can cause interference, degrade call quality, slow down internet browsing, or even compromise communication security,” explains a  TRB technical officer. These issues, often invisible to users, directly affect network performance and service reliability.

A DIRECT IMPACT ON QUALITY OF SERVICE (QoS)
Mobile operators invest heavily in expanding and upgrading their infrastructure. Yet the spread of non-compliant devices—often from informal markets or counterfeit sources—undermines these efforts. The consequences include:
• reduced internet speeds and unstable signals,
• frequent call drops,
• increased vulnerability to cyberattacks,
• overcrowded frequency bands.
By choosing certified devices, consumers actively support smoother network operations, safer communications, and sustainable sector investments.

PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH WITH COMPLIANT EQUIPMENT
Beyond technical concerns, uncertified devices may expose users to uncontrolled levels of electromagnetic radiation. Often manufactured without adherence to international safety standards, these devices can pose health risks—especially with prolonged or close-range use.
Devices certified by TRB undergo rigorous testing to ensure emissions stay within authorized limits, helping safeguard users’ health.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CERTIFIED DEVICE
TRB maintains a public database of all devices approved by its technical services. Certified equipment also bears a TRB certification label, typically affixed by authorized importers or distributors.
Before purchasing a device, consumers are advised to:
• check for the TRB certification label,
• ask the seller for their TRB accreditation and the device’s certification document,
• consult the official list of authorized vendors on TRB’s website: www.art.cm.

A MATTER OF DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY
Certification also supports Cameroon’s digital sovereignty. It enables the country to control technological flows, strengthen national cybersecurity, and shield citizens from the risks of the grey market.
In light of these considerations, TRB urges consumers, importers, and distributors to act responsibly and remain vigilant. Using certified devices is not a constraint—it’s a civic commitment to a reliable, inclusive, and secure digital environment.

ESMA

Version française : https://www.art.cm/fr/article/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9phone-homologu%C3%A9-un-gage...