KARACHI:
Cellular service providers will not be allowed to sell new SIMs through franchises, customer service centres or retailers from November 30, states an official notification sent by the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) to telecom operators on Tuesday.
Service providers will also have to verify all unregistered SIMs by December 12. Unregistered ones will be blocked permanently using a 5% illegal SIMs per week formula, it adds.
PTA has also asked service providers to block the entire stock of SIMs available in the market so no SIMs can be purchased from outlets starting December 1.
Sources said the interior ministry had issued some important directives to PTA regarding unregistered SIMs, which pose a great threat to national security.
They added that a high-level meeting was held at the PTA headquarters to communicate the aforesaid directions to operators, following which a notification was issued.
The telecom authority has asked cellular service providers to verify all SIMs by December 12, and issue a duly signed certificate stating that all credentials are 100% accurate by December 15. The credentials will be tallied with information available with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
According to the PTA’s notification, new SIMs can only be issued against two documents: the customer’s computerised national identity card (CNIC) or his/her driving licence.
Service providers will have to send the new SIM to the customer’s authorised residential address and maintain a proper record of SIMs issued, sold and retrieved. The rider delivering SIMs has to ensure the person who applied for the same personally receives it, that too after verifying the CNIC and signing the receiving confirmation.
As per the Supreme Court’s orders, no more than five SIMs – whether from one or more service providers – can be issued against a single CNIC. The choice to retain a particular number will rest with the customer, added the PTA notification.
A source said the interior ministry has asked PTA to unblock YouTube and manually block any blasphemous content. He, however, did not say when the decision is expected to be implemented.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2012.
COMMENTS (17)
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Great initiative. Nowhere in the world it's that easy to get a SIM and dump it, as it is in Pakistan. We needed to streamline our processes for the sake of regulation and security.
Still i am not agree with govt issue, they must shut down all SIMS in PAKISTAN. because every single person have SIM with some other registered CNIC. PTA must take this step to block overall SIMS and start purchasing newSIMS from begining. In terrorism the Telecom is involved through some special areas. GovT must block all pakistan's and non pakistani's SIM, i can assure u that 31% of terrorism will be decreased in pakistan. And and and hamari koi nahy sunta... :(
WELL its very good decisoin i appreciate it,the govt should also take some notice of the night packages and all other rough stuff going on,
Excellent news!! And about time this govt did something useful for a changes. Good work.
wonderful decision by Govt if it continues because most of the times it is never implemented. All cellular companies are selling sims like toffies and toys without thinking the consequences of that.
This decision shall have following adverse consequences:
1) All CMOs have to shut down their distribution channels- this would, in turn, result into loss of businesses/jobs for retailers, franchisee, CMO employees etc. & they will be forced to come out of their homes and create political instability in already weakening political and security situation. 2) Marketing dynamics shall be changed. 3) Revenue growth through expansion shall be scaled down significantly. 4) CMOs may exploit this situation for cost cutting while the burden will be on Government's shoulders 5) What if someone is not living at the place registered on CNIC- a lot of trouble for AWAM
In nutshell, an unwise decision opening gates for corruption and misuse of public office.
where should we buy SIMs from ?
I agree with Maher , they should have a faster way of giving sims , waiting for the post it just impossible & then running around for it if its not delivered ,forget it
What about those people who have invested in franchise businesses? What about people who just come for a short time and need a SIM?
As usual, they don't think before passing laws.
A very good decision! our telecom companies don't even know that large amount of the sims are bought by Afghanis and it is so easy for criminals to buy sims on someone else name and carry out crimes including terrorist acts. A sim is more dangerous then AK47 these days and you can confirm this from anyone in a law enforcement agency. They just buy sims, use it and throw it. We are actually looking for our own ease but once you get to know the amount of crimes committed through this sim you will then agree with this decision.
SIMs to be issued on showing of NIC and License What about those who are under 18 :S
Good step in right direction....make getting mobile connection cumbersome though it will create a little problem for consumers but it is necessary for security.
what is this ? Like Government is taking drastic steps without realizing impacts of consequences . retailers Franchises are main channel . How a telco is supposed to sale in absence of such channels . A very disappointing news indeed.
Winter is coming!
SIM delivering at residential address, It will be a longgggg process. I think all cellular companies should buy NADRA's online CNIC verification software to verify CNIC on the spot and issue SIM instantly.