Martin Endjala
With the deadline for the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards scheduled for 31 March 2024 looming, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has repeated its call to all stakeholders who have not registered their SIM cards to do so, to avoid being disconnected on 1 April 2024.
CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua said for those who are still waiting to register their SIM cards, it is imperative to comprehend the repercussions of non-compliance should they not do so by 31 March 2024.
As of 29 February 2024, Namibia had 2,387,230 active SIM cards, with 1,687,742 or 70.6 percent successfully registered.
The CEO lauded users who have already registered their SIM cards.
She warned that all unregistered SIM cards will face suspension for three months starting from 1 April 2024.
During this period, affected customers will experience service disruptions and will receive warning notifications.
“Failure to register within this timeframe will result in them losing their associated number,” she said.
She added that as it stands, all mobile telecommunications operators are fully equipped and prepared to implement these suspension measures effectively, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Moreover, CRAN also reiterated the stance of the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus who stated that there will be no further extensions granted beyond 31 March 2024.
The Minister categorically stated that it is a common cause that crimes aided by technological devices have affected many people. It is for that reason that the government decided to adopt the SIM card registration process.
In its rudimentary form, she explained further that the SIM registration is merely designed to give the number an identity, similar to the know-your-customer initiative that was launched by the Banks for verification of bank account holders.
Moreover, she said the importance of this SIM card registration exercise cannot be overemphasised as it plays a pivotal role in deterring phone-based fraud, identity theft and other criminal activities in line with international best practices.
Adding that in an ever-evolving technology-driven world, cell phone numbers have also become a key enabler for consumers to participate in e-commerce activities such as digital banking, financial services, online shopping and to receive notifications for administrative operations.
It is therefore imperative that consumers understand that SIM registration is a key enabler to their participation in the digital economy.
