National SIM registration exercise underway | Zambia Daily Mail

In an effort to mitigate the effects of organised crimes compounded by the evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) in collaboration with all mobile service providers is now calling for all subscribers to register their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards in the country. KAPALA CHISUNKA reports;

THE evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the advent of mobile value added services such as mobile banking and money transfer, among other products have made life easier and convenient for many regardless of their geographical location.
However, Zambia like many other countries has continued to experience challenges with technologies and their safe use. While communication technologies remain a catalyst for development, they have also been misused and abused in different societies.
Technologies are now being used to perform illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering to name a few.
Currently, for the many who have had their mobile phones stolen, recovery is close to zero and unfortunately the culprits tend to benefit because they get to use these gadgets or re-sale them to unsuspecting users.
To mitigate the threats and reduce risks, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has collaborated with the three (3) service providers ? MTN, Airtel and Zamtel ? to ensure they commence a national Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration exercise for their respective subscribers.
SIM registration involves the capturing of subscriber details at the point of sale for all the three mobile networks.
Subscribers will be required to register their SIM cards with their service providers by providing some form of identity and this could either be a national registration card, passport, driver?s licence and voter?s card.
This registration will be done by the subscriber with their respective mobile service provider within a period to be advised.
The Information and Communications Technology Act of 2009, provides for ZICTA as a regulatory authority to keep a register of all subscribers and mobile equipment in Zambia.
This piece of legislation has equally been enhanced by a Statutory Instrument number 65 of 2011 that outlines the requirements for registration of all electronic communication apparatus including SIM cards on all mobile networks.
For the longest time and before mobile phones, in the era of fixed line or landlines monopoly, customers were required to submit their personal details such as full names, national registration card numbers, proof of residence and a traceable physical address for easy location as well as easy credit management.
With the introduction of mobile network services, especially the prepaid platform, it became almost tedious for both service providers and subscribers to register SIM cards with the respective service providers especially that this time the platform is pay as you go, with Sim cards being accessible at every corner.
Cognizant of the latest trends that have been pre-empted by the advent of technologies such as e-learning, e-health and e-commerce, the mobile phone remains an important device for transacting both social and economic activities.
Therefore, for safe and secure transactions, the mobile phone on which these activities are being performed must be protected and kept safe. This will greatly mitigate illegal activities especially those performed using mobile phones.
?When buying a SIM card, customers will be required to submit a copy of their national registration card, driver?s licence or passport to their mobile service provider and in the event that an original copy of the NRC or driver?s licence is unavailable, customers will be required to present and submit certified copies of either of these documents upon purchasing a SIM card,? ZICTA says.
Minors under the age of 16 years and not in possession of any of the above identification documents will have to have their registration done by either parents or guardians until such a time when they are ready to change particulars of a SIM card and upon presentation of their identity cards.
Visitors and tourists into Zambia intending to buy a SIM while in the country will be required to submit the prescribed documentation to the preferred mobile service providers their personal details including presentation of the original passport or a certified copy.
Information submitted to mobile service providers will be treated as confidential and will be protected by the service provider unless otherwise specified by the subscriber in writing or as required by the laws of Zambia.
?The registration of SIM cards is hoped to deter criminal activities especially those conducted using electronic networks in addition to discouraging mobile phones thefts.
Once a mobile phone is stolen and case reported to the relevant authorities, the phone will be blacklisted to prevent it being used on any other mobile network,? ZICTA says.
After the expiry of the SIM card registration process, a SIM card will be deactivated and shall not work or receive network until it is registered appropriately.
It is important to note that all SIM cards, even those used in Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and mobile tracking devices for vehicles will all have to be registered with the respective service providers.
The mobile providers during and after the? registration period will be expected to keep a data base of information of all registered SIM cards as well as put in place relevant facilities to facilitate for the exercise.
ZICTA says the? SIM card registration exercise will be implemented simultaneously for both existing SIM card holders and new SIM card holders. But there will be a deadline for the registration of existing SIM cards.
It remains vital for subscribers to note that during the registration process, sending of details to the service provider through Short Module System (SMS) will not be recognised because of the nature of the exercise. A physical visit to the service provider?s centre will be required.
Although post-paid subscribers already submit their information, the exercise has aligned the collection of information for both existing and new post-paid subscribers in line with the Statutory Instrument (SI) 65 to enable service providers collect their money effectively at the end of the month.
According to the SI, when purchasing a SIM card; a seller will have to ensure that the buyer completes and submits the prescribed form and gives accurate information.
The seller, within seven days, will then be expected to submit the form to the service provider before the SIM card is activated.
It is against the law for an electronic service provider to sell, register or activate a SIM card when a person has not provided a valid certified national identity as required.
A person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both.

Source: http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=13043

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