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Namibian regulatory authority says that 702246 unregistered SIM cards face disconnection after Sunday’s March 31st deadline.
Despite significant efforts, only 70.6% of Namibia’s 2,387,230 active SIM cards have been successfully registered as of February 29, 2024, stated the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (CRAN) CEO Emilia Nghikembua. For those still waiting to register their SIM cards, it is imperative to emphasize the repercussions of non-compliance should they not do so by March 31, 2024.
The CRAN CEO warned that failure to register by the deadline will result in the suspension of affected SIM cards for three months, starting April 1, 2024. During the suspension period, users will experience service disruptions and will receive warning notifications. Moreover, those who fail to register within this timeframe risk permanent loss of their associated phone numbers.
As it stands, all mobile telecommunications operators are fully equipped and prepared to implement these suspension measures effectively, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, stated CRAN. CRAN also reiterated the directive from the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Emma Theofelus, that there will be no further extensions beyond March 31st.SIM card registration is a national initiative aimed at facilitating the investigation of crimes committed with the aid of mobile devices. 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.
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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. 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.
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.
