One of the functions of the National Communications Commission (NCC) is the approval of equipment that makes use of radio spectrum and telecommunications used in connecting to public networks, such as cell phones, radios, handheld devices, etc. The goal is to engage consumers not to use unauthorized equipment that may not comply with safety standards.

Despite the importance of this task, the General Auditor's Office (AGN) argues that the NCC does not guarantee that the equipments "are safe for the user and the efficient use of radio spectrum" because of the "weakness in their controls."

But what is an approval? It refers to the technical certification of equipment and permission to market and/or use the devices. All companies that marketed their products must submit a technical analysis and testing performances in different "testing laboratories" approved in advance by the NCC.

However, the weaknesses identified by AGN can even be found at the beginning are even when crediting is needed to approve each laboratory. The problem is that the evaluation reports of establishments conducted by the NCC, "lack details regarding compliance with the requirements" to run. Out of all the laboratories, three had records that "did not specify whether they have what it takes to produce the measurements set by the standards for the approval of the equipment". In fact, there was a case on the Laboratory Tuv Rheinland Argentina, in which "there were no reports"; however, the Equipment Standardization and Certification area reported that "they met the requirements".

In addition, the NCC "also does checks in laboratories after the accreditation has been given, in order to determine the continuity of their conditions." Note that this situation occurred in all cases reviewed by the auditors.

Once in the equipment approval stage, reality doesn’t get any better. Even though the NCC must determine, in conjunction with the Department of Consumer Protection, that equipment cannot be commercialized without the proper authorization, "there was no verification of this type," according to the report approved this year by the Audit.

Oddly enough, as expressed in the very foundations of Resolution ordering checks (1371-1302): "In Argentina there is a lot of equipment being marketed that do not have the approval granted by this NCC".

Finally, the watchdog said "approvals are made by processes which exclude initial and necessary participation of the NCC," contrary to the provisions of the legislation. As noted by AGN, on a sample of 235 records of requests for approval of equipment (on a total of 3986), "every case tested was done without the prior and necessary intervention of the NCC."