The Nigerian Communications Commission has said that beginning from March 1, 2010, the sale of Subscriber Identification Module cards will no longer be permitted on the streets.

Security concerns about mobile telephony have been on the increase following the use of the technology by kidnappers, militants and other criminals. The criminals often obtain SIM cards and use them to perpetrate their unlawful acts.

A statement issued by Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, in Abuja on Monday said all operators had been directed to put the necessary logistics in place to capture the details of any new subscriber from the first of March next year.

He also said that the regulatory agency would make an announcement on registration of existing subscribers. A committee consisting of stakeholders had earlier been set up to work out the modalities for achieving this.

Documents required for presentation before any new SIM card could be issued include e-passports, corporate/company or work place identity cards that have pension identification /tax numbers, student identity cards from recognised institutions, drivers license issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps or e-tax cards.

Muoka said, “With effect from March 1, 2010, all new SIM cards in Nigeria must be registered before activation.

“In exercise of its regulatory functions as provided for by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, NCC wishes to inform the general public and all the relevant stakeholders that arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of registration of all SIM card holders in Nigeria.

“The registration process will include the capture of the photograph and biometrics of the subscriber. Proxy registration shall be restricted to the direct families of persons seeking registration.”

He added, “The Commission has directed all telecoms operating companies to put all necessary arrangements in place for the smooth take off of the exercise.

“In the case of existing SIM card holders, necessary processes and procedures are currently being put in place to guarantee a smooth registration exercise. The general public and all relevant stakeholders will be notified in due course about the timing and how to proceed.”

The registration requirements will make it more difficult for anybody to obtain SIM cards for frivolous reasons. It will also make it possible for any subscriber to be identified should a mobile phone be used for any nefarious activity.

At a meeting in Abuja in 2008, stakeholders had raised issues concerning registration requirements. One of the concerns they raised was the prevalence of fake documents in the country as well as the huge logistics registration would entail on operators.

New operators including Etisalat also reasoned that registration requirement could slow the take up of their services as street selling of SIM cards make it easier for any new subscriber to get on to a network.

Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said on Monday, that the directive would result in a slow down of of network expansion in terms of subscriber base and affect profitability.

He, however, said that while it could actually improve user experience, the NCC needed to properly manage the process.

However, everybody was agreed that registration was necessary because of the dangers of allowing anybody access into telecommunications networks without proper identification.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2009122914421993

snowdrops:

@ Copist Kenzy4real and Locked

Are you one and the same?

Dis Guy:

^^^
Other countries that register only postpaid lines dont have the same problems as nigeria
and they have other efficient systems of dealing with crime

Dis Guy:

^^^
ohhh yes they doo. Me think its an exercise in futility,
naija has a way of getting by anything, esp someone with criminal intentions

Dis Guy:

^^^
What is really wrong is registring your sim card?
Why are people opposed to it?
If people are opposed to this scheme based on incompetent data protection then fine
apart from that i dont really see how this is such a big deal

Dis Guy:

Other countries that register only postpaid lines dont have the same problems as nigeria
and they have other efficient systems of dealing with crime

puskin:

What is NCC's biz with crime prevention?

puskin:

This policy will either die or will stop ppl 4rm[b] buying new lines[/b].

Well this is an idea that should have been remembered b4 flagging GSM bis in naija.
New suscriber? I pity them. Because they are going to be so much stressed as usual to the point that they will prefer going for starcoms and the like.

For me, In january i will get all the GSM lines. Let me c how NCC will force me to register afresh.

NONSENE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

puskin:

I[b]n various countries around d world, registration details is relevant  only if U want 2buy a postpaid line, [/b]
NCC want 2nw force operators 2apply it 2pre-paid lines as well.
In which country do network operators obtain registration details b4 selling U a pre-paid line?
K.
March 1, 2010.
Im waiting.