Dito, Globe to run after sellers of unauthorized, tampered devices

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Startup Dito Telecommunity will launch a crackdown on “unscrupulous” individuals and online sellers offering overpriced and unauthorized hardware, such as modems and pocket Wi-Fi devices.

“There are no official Dito modems or pocket Wi-Fi devices that have been launched at this time,” Dito chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said in a statement on Monday.

Tamano said they received reports of overpriced Dito SIM cards and Dito-branded devices being sold online such as on Facebook, Lazada and Shopee.

“Let me take this opportunity to assure the public that the unauthorized use of the Dito branding in any form shall result in the possibility of prosecution for intellectual property infringement,” he said.

Tamano urged buyers to purchase Dito SIM cards and devices at their official stores and on their website www.dito.ph. He added Dito SIM cards were available via their official Lazada and Shopee portals.

A company spokesperson says their SIM cards start at P40 each although online portals may offer special promos.

Dito issued its statement after rival Globe Telecom said its modems were being repurposed and resold as Dito-branded devices.

“The modus is done through the unauthorized unlocking of the Globe device, substituting the Globe SIM with a Dito Telecommunity SIM and concealing the Globe At Home trademark with a sticker of Dito,” Globe said in a statement.

The company explained its Wi-Fi kits have pre-inserted SIMs in the modems ready for activation via the Globe At Home app or FB messenger upon purchase.

“We are prepared to take the necessary legal action against these unscrupulous individuals and establishments carrying out these deceptive business practices, through the assistance of law enforcement authorities,” Globe said. INQ