Ministry Takes Action Against Walkie-Talkies

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has moved to clamp down on the sale and use of walkie-talkies after learning businesses are selling the devices without a licence.

The ministry has announced it recently asked its Telecommunications Department to work with provincial offices and other relevant organisations to inspect and better regulate the use of two-way radio transceivers, better known as walkie-talkies.

According to the announcement, any individual or party operating a business involving the sale of walkie-talkies must be granted a licence for their import, distribution and repair under government regulations.

Anyone wanting to import a device to use for their own purposes, rather than for sale, must still get permission from the ministry or its provincial offices.

Individuals and groups are prohibited from importing or using a walkie-talkie without permission.

Owners of unregistered walkie-talkies must present the devices to the relevant offices within 45 days of August 13 – the first day the announcement was made public.

After the 45 day grace period, those found importing or using walkie-talkies will be fined in accordance with the Law on Telecommunications.

The announcement came after a report emerged which suggested some businesses and distributors import and distribute the devices without government permission.

Source: Vientiane Times