SIM registration: Unregistered numbers to be forfeited
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced that the deadline for SIM registrations remains 31 March, while a failure to register will result in forfeiture of the number.
During an information session yesterday, CEO Emilia Nghikembua revealed that Namibia has 2 387 230 active SIM card users across all networks, and so far 1 687 742 (70.6%) of these have been successfully registered.
MTC's registrations increased from 70% in January to 76%. Telecom, however, went from 79% in January to 54% in February.
"This is due to a notable adjustment in Telecom's registered subscriber count, which was prompted by the removal of deactivated registered numbers.
“The error from Telecom Namibia has caused a ripple effect on the national average," she said.
In January, Nghikembua said the national average was 70.97%, but this figure currently stands at 70.6% due to the rectification made by Telecom.
Meanwhile, Paratus and UCOM Mobile (formerly MTN) both recorded 100% successful registration.
"It is imperative to note that unregistered SIM cards will face suspension for three months starting in April. During this period, customers attempting to use any network will encounter service unavailability and will receive a warning message.
“If the number remains unregistered after those three months, it will be forfeited. This means that it goes back into the pool of unallocated numbers, in which case it can be allocated to a new consumer.”
CRAN further noted that it is satisfied that mobile operators have the necessary mechanisms in place to facilitate suspensions come 1 April, adding that it “will work with them to make sure this is done in a timely and orderly manner”.
Nghikembua added the registration process was not designed to suspend SIM cards, and this can be avoided by registering your number before the end of this month.
During an information session yesterday, CEO Emilia Nghikembua revealed that Namibia has 2 387 230 active SIM card users across all networks, and so far 1 687 742 (70.6%) of these have been successfully registered.
MTC's registrations increased from 70% in January to 76%. Telecom, however, went from 79% in January to 54% in February.
"This is due to a notable adjustment in Telecom's registered subscriber count, which was prompted by the removal of deactivated registered numbers.
“The error from Telecom Namibia has caused a ripple effect on the national average," she said.
In January, Nghikembua said the national average was 70.97%, but this figure currently stands at 70.6% due to the rectification made by Telecom.
Meanwhile, Paratus and UCOM Mobile (formerly MTN) both recorded 100% successful registration.
"It is imperative to note that unregistered SIM cards will face suspension for three months starting in April. During this period, customers attempting to use any network will encounter service unavailability and will receive a warning message.
“If the number remains unregistered after those three months, it will be forfeited. This means that it goes back into the pool of unallocated numbers, in which case it can be allocated to a new consumer.”
CRAN further noted that it is satisfied that mobile operators have the necessary mechanisms in place to facilitate suspensions come 1 April, adding that it “will work with them to make sure this is done in a timely and orderly manner”.
Nghikembua added the registration process was not designed to suspend SIM cards, and this can be avoided by registering your number before the end of this month.
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