The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) says that only 1,043,144 active SIM cards out of approximately 2,436,367 across all licensed networks in Namibia, representing 43%, have been registered, with less than a month left before the deadline set by the regulator on December 31, 2023.
This development means that 1,393,223 subscribers face possible suspension by telecommunication service providers.
“There has been a substantial increase in SIM card registrations since September 30, 2023, rising from 33% to the current 43% as of November 30, 2023. This indicates a positive trend in SIM card registration across various operators, highlighting encouraging progress within the review timeframe,” said CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua.
She said SIM card registration conditions mandate users to register their SIM cards with their mobile service provider, while unregistered SIM cards will be suspended for three months after December 31, 2023.
“During the three-month suspension period, the service may be reinstated, and the customer can retain the mobile number linked to the SIM card, once the customer provides the necessary information for SIM card registration. If the suspension period expires without registration, the mobile service provider will cancel the service and number. The customer must then purchase and register a new SIM card, resulting in the loss of the previous mobile number,” Nghikembua said.
CRAN launched the national SIM registration consumer awareness campaign in June 2022.
The campaign was in anticipation of the mandatory SIM card registration which started in January 2023 in line with the provisions of Section 77 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) and ancillary regulations.
The SIM card registration is a national initiative aimed at facilitating the investigation of crimes committed with the aid of mobile devices.
