The Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) says it is likely to lose N$8.1 million in revenue per month after disconnecting 323,236 unregistered customers.Â
To comply with regulations that came into effect on 31 March 2024, the telco was compelled to disconnect unregistered SIM cards on its network, translating to approximately 3.1% of MTC’s revenue.Â
This comes as the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on Wednesday said as of March 31,Namibia had a total of 2,387,330 active SIM cards, out of which 1,868,412 were successfully registered, indicating a registration rate of 78.26%.
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The regulatory body also said country’s mobile operators had suspended 518,918 unregistered SIM cards as of April 1, 2024, for a duration of three months, with Telecom Namibia having  deactivated 191,598 subscribers.
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According to MTC Chief Human Capital, Corporate Affairs and Marketing Officer Tim Ekandjo, out of a total of 1,937,129 customers, only 1,613,893 have completed the registration process, representing an 83.3% registration rate.Â
“As per the Authority’s directive, the registration process ended on the 31st of March 2024 following the extension from the initial deadline of 31st December 2023. In that sense, it now means that the unregistered customers will unfortunately be suspended from the network. The suspension, however, does not mean that their numbers are deactivated,†he said.
He further explained that suspension doesn’t equate to deactivation. Suspended numbers will be unable to utilise any services until the owner complies with the registration process.
The grace period extends from 1 April to 1 July 2024. Should the grace period lapse without action from the SIM owner, the number will be permanently deactivated.
Ekandjo also highlighted that MTC had previously communicated to the Authority that due to challenges such as the vast geographical spread of the country and socio-economic conditions, 24 months would be required to complete the registration process for all customers.
“MTC would have welcomed an extended time to be able to register all our customers. Although it is not an ideal situation, the reality of the matter is that MTC must act accordingly and follow the directive to suspend numbers – as stipulated by the Authority. Should any new development arise pertaining to SIM registration, we will inform our consumers accordingly,†he said.
SIM card registration is a national initiative aimed at facilitating the investigation of crimes committed with the aid of mobile devices.
