With just under a million SIMs locked on the Vodacom network after the Regulation of Interception of Communication Act (Rica) deadline, getting reconnected is still possible. All cut-off customers need to do is register at any Vodacom-approved outlet or Rica station.
“We have over 170Â 000 Rica agents across South Africa who are available to assist cut-off customers. The only thing to note is that reactivation can take around 24 hours, so there may be some inconvenience,” said Portia Maurice, Vodacom’s chief officer for corporate affairs. Contract customers who haven’t registered will still remain liable to pay their contract, even if the SIM is locked.
Customers are reminded that in order to register they will need to take their SIM(s) along with their green coded ID book and a recent proof of address to a Vodacom Rica agent. Call centre agents will not be able to register customers over the phone as the law requires the documents to be checked in person. However, to check on registration status customers can call the Vodacom customer care line on 082 111 from a landline and insert their cell number. “If customers find they are registered but are still experiencing problems they can speak to a call centre agent who will be able to assist,” said Maurice.
If pre-paid customers have not registered after six months their SIM(s) will be permanently disconnected and their number will be recycled into the system, as is common practice in the industry.
For all the information on the Rica documentation and process and outlets you can visit Vodacom’s website.