The Ministry of Information Communication Technology has expressed concern over the low rate of public SIM card registration.
The concerns arise in response to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) reporting that, as of June 15, 2023, only 795,991 subscribers (29%) have registered their SIM cards with their service providers.
“It is essential to emphasize the significance of SIM card registration, as this process plays a pivotal role in deterring phone-based fraud, identity theft, and other criminal activities. Mandatory registration and identification of SIM card users align with international best practices,” said Audrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology.
Mathe also pointed out that despite the provided time frame for registration, there has been a limited response from the public, maintaining that no extensions would be granted beyond the stipulated cut-off date.
“The public is, therefore, encouraged to register their SIM cards before the deadline of December 31, 2023. Any SIM card not registered by this cut-off date will be disconnected,” he said.
Regarding biometrics, the Ministry reiterated that the directive, in which providing biometrics should only be voluntary, remains in effect.
Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations, Katrina Sikeni, previously attributed the low registration rate to general public reluctance and a lack of sufficient registration points.
