The Department of Communications has reminded cellphone users to register their cellular, data or other SIM cards before June 30 or have them blocked. This will mean you won’t be able to make or receive calls or send SMS’s. Neither will you be able to use data.
So if you haven’t yet made that trip to your service provider, don’t forget to go. This applies to all users — prepaid and contract alike. Remember that you can register at most stores where you can buy a starter pack.
You’ll need to provide your cellphone number, full names and surname, ID or passport number, a green bar-coded ID, ID card, temporary ID or passport as proof of identity, and proof of address (a bank statement, municipal rates statement, cellphone or retail account or motor vehicle licence will be fine). If you live in an informal settlement, provide a letter and/or affidavit from where you receive your post.
The Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), requires compulsory registration of all SIM cards. This law aims to help law enforcement agencies to identify the users of cell phone numbers and track criminals using cell phones for illegal activities.
About eight million SIM cards could be cut off — if one is yours, best move quickly.
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