The National Communications Authority (NCA) announces for the information of the General Public that from 1st July, 2010, ALL Mobile Phone Operators in the country will start collecting information aimed at identifying existing and new subscribers to their respective networks. Existing mobile phone subscribers will continue using SIM cards/chips as they are until 30th June 2011 by which time they expected to have completed filling in their details with respective Mobile Phone Operators.

New subscribers will provide their Identity details upon purchasing a new phone chip.

Why the Exercise is Necessary

The exercise will enable the NCA and the Mobile Operators identify mobile phone SIM cards/chips owners and curb incidents such as loss of phone through theft, nuisance text messages, scams, threats, raising unnecessary alarm or creating panic, deliberately or otherwise.

How and When

The sale of ‘Already Activated’ SIM cards/chips will continue until 30th June 2010. With effect from 1st July 2010, no ‘Already Activated’ SIM card/chip shall be offered for sale by any Mobile Phone Operator, and all SIM cards/chips purchased shall have delayed activation until the identity of the purchaser has been fully captured. However existing SIM cards/chips owners can start providing information needed to their respective Mobile Phone Operators from today. The General Public must note that from 1st July 2011 owners of unregistered SIM cards/chips shall not be able to make or receive calls on their phones. Current owners of mobile phones should endeavour to file in the requirement information with their Mobile Phone Operators between 1st July 2010 and 30th June 2011.

Required Information for Registration:

To purchase new SIM card/chip, the buyer must provide a valid photo-ID such as:

• Drivers License
• Passport
• NHIS
• Voter’s ID
• National ID Card

The same will be required from the existing subscribers as well. Details to be provided include:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Phone Number (for existing subscribers)
• SIM ID(Optional)

For further Information please contact:

Hotlines:: 030-701-0200 / 027-766-0000 / 054-43-5888 OR The Customer Service Department of your Mobile Phone Operator.

OR Your network provider:

Tigo MTN Vodafone Zain Glo Mobile Kasapa

The NCA wishes to assure the General Public that any information given shall ONLY be kept, and treated with the utmost confidentiality by their respective Mobile Phone Operators.