Only 29% SIM cards registered – Cran

Less than three months before the deadline, the nationwide mandatory SIM card registration process is facing significant challenges.

As of 15 June, only 795 991 SIM cards (29%) had been successfully registered, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran).

Telecommunications service providers must complete the registration of all existing customers by 31 December 31, with unregistered SIM cards facing deactivation beyond that date.

“Challenges experienced by mobile operators during the SIM card registration process included resistance by local authorities to allow the setting up of registration points, power failure in remote areas that interrupt the automated registration process, slow or lax uptake of SIM card registration by customers, inaccurate information submitted by customers, and customers who do not have national identification documents or proof of residence,” Cran spokesperson, Katrina Sikeni said on Monday.

In May, Cran announced that biometric data collection for SIM card registration is no longer mandatory and operators will only need basic information such as customer name, address and official identification documents, although customers can voluntarily provide biometric data if they choose to do so.

Cran is encouraging the public to participate actively in the registration process to prevent SIM card deactivation and maintain their access to telecommunication services.

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