‘SIM registration will make number portability possible’

SIM Registration will make number portability which will give SIM card users the freedom of switching between networks while keeping the same number possible, Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua has said.

Nghikembua was speaking at the official launch of the National SIM Registration Consumer Awareness Campaign, which aims to educate the public on the importance of the registration of SIM cards in Namibia.

The registration process will be carried out in terms of Regulations and License Conditions made pursuant to Part 6 of Chapter V of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009).

“A comprehensive database of information will enable CRAN to effectively regulate the industry in a manner that promotes transparency, encourages competition, implements fair pricing regimes, and ensures a quality of service in the interest of the user,” Nghikembua further stated.

Mandatory SIM registration is in line with international best practice, with 157 countries in the world currently implementing SIM registration. Namibia is one of two African countries that does not have SIM registration and we are therefore,delighted to finally reach this milestone.

“The six-months-long awareness campaign follows consultation between CRAN and all relevant stakeholders.  The campaign aims to raise awareness and inform the public that as of 01 January 2023, mobile operators will be required to register all their customers’ SIM cards and obtain all relevant information before the sale and activation of SIM cards.    

“Operators will have a period of 12 months to conclude the registration of existing customers. The information of new customers must be registered within 3 months from date of sale. Unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated, ” said Nghikembua.

Mobile operators will be required to communicate to their existing customers the registration modalities, which may in certain instances include registration through online platforms.

“The use of mobile phones delivers significant economic and social benefits and plays a key role in enabling digital inclusion and delivering social benefits. There are, however some members of the public who use mobile phones for criminal activities. Through the registration of all active SIM cards, security agencies will be able to track criminals after following the procedures as set out in the applicable laws.

“Having a secure and authorised digital identity has become increasingly importantin a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety, and for the prevention of crime. SIM registration can enable many consumers to access value added mobile and digital services that would otherwise be unavailable to them as unregistered users. Namibia must leverage on the use of safe and secure mobile technology to enjoy the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” added Nghikembua. 

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