Page Nav

HIDE

Grid

GRID_STYLE

Trending News

latest

Mandatory SIM-ID Registration Deadline

SIM card registration is mandatory, and unregistered SIMs will be deactivated in 2024 / MTC. SIM card registration is an important step towa...

SIM card registration is mandatory, and unregistered SIMs will be deactivated in 2024 / MTC.
SIM card registration is an important step towards improving security, preventing fraud, and ensuring the provision of better customer service. Namibia's telecommunications company, MTC requires all users to register their SIM cards as a legal obligation. 

Namibians and foreign residents need to bring a national ID or passport as well as proof of address to any of the local mobile service providers they use to register their SIM cards. The process requires all users to visit an MTC outlet or service center with their SIM card, a valid ID document, and proof of address. 

MTC staff will take passport-sized photos and fingerprints of the user, and once the details are verified, the SIM card will be activated. Failure to comply with the mandate will result in the deactivation of unregistered SIMs in 2024. 
In Namibia, SIM card registration is mandatory, and unregistered SIMs will be deactivated in 2024.

The Namibian Communication Regulatory Authority (CRAN) has set a deadline of 31 December 2023 for mandatory SIM card registration. The SIM registration campaign was launched in June 2022 by the CRAN, and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC).

To register your MTC SIM card, you need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. Visit any MTC outlet with your SIM card and a valid Namibian ID card or passport.
  2. You will also be required to submit your fingerprints and a passport-sized photo. 
  3. Once your details have been verified, you will receive an SMS confirming the registration. 

Registering your MTC SIM card is a straightforward process that involves visiting an MTC outlet or service center with your SIM card and a valid ID document. Make sure to provide accurate information, as providing false information is illegal and can lead to consequences such as fines or imprisonment. It is important to register your MTC SIM card as soon as possible to avoid any issues with service deactivation or other legal consequences.

SIM card registration is important for several reasons, including:

  • Security: Registering a SIM card helps to improve security by making it easier for law enforcement agencies to track down criminals who use mobile phones for illegal activities. By associating a SIM card with a user's personal information, it becomes more difficult for criminals to use phones anonymously.
  • Prevention of Fraud: SIM card registration is an effective measure to prevent fraud as it allows mobile operators to authenticate the identity of the user. In case of any fraudulent activity, the operators can trace the user and take appropriate actions.
  • Improved Customer Service: Registering your SIM card ensures that you receive uninterrupted service from your mobile operator. It also enables them to provide better customer service by being able to easily access your personal information and account details.

Namibia's registration process is different from other African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, where SIM card registrations are rolled out. The registration mandate is intended to enhance national security by reducing fraud and crime.

To register a SIM card, users must ensure their ID documents are valid and up-to-date. Providing accurate and truthful information is mandatory, and individuals registering SIM cards on behalf of others must bring their ID documents and personal information. MTC's 'Verifi' authentication technology uses face and fingerprints to authenticate users, which is an additional process.

It is important to register your SIM card on time to avoid legal consequences and service deactivation. MTC has expressed satisfaction with the turnout of users to register their SIM cards and believes that all SIMs in Namibia will be registered within the mandatory deadline.