Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) Namibia has commenced the process of registering subscriber identification module (SIM) cards. MTC however is constrained on how to finalise the process, as there is no legislative mandate to empower it to smoothly deal with the process.
MTC MD Licky Erastus shared this information during a consultative meeting with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information, Communication, Technology, and Innovation. The chairperson of the committee, Modestus Amutse urged MTC to register SIM cards in the country to better control illegal activities such as fraud, fake news, and other crimes.
According to information minister Peya Mushelenga, the government passed the new regulation in March this year for SIM card users under section 77 of the Communications Act of 2009. However, the enforcement date of the new regulation is yet to be announced.
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi commended the process of SIM registrations, saying it is a notable move that will help police officers in tracing suspects faster.
“This will enhance police officers’ services in terms of investigations. Criminals will now be reluctant to plan their bad moves and this will reduce the crime rate in the country. The police will be grateful when the process materialises,” said Shikwambi. Many users are of the belief that SIM registration requirement invades their privacies.