Data verification system: PTA’s efforts to curb unauthorised SIM cards lauded

‘668’ system helps subscribers retrieve information.

The efforts of Pakistan’s telecom watchdog to regulate SIM cards in the country have been recognised regionally despite partial success of law enforcement agencies in curbing unregistered SIM cards, a statement released by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said on Friday.

It said that the Mobile SIM Information and Verification System (668), which was developed, deployed and hosted by PTA, had received appreciation at the regional level. The statement said that it was listed among finalists in the recently held mBillionth South Asia Awards 2011 organised in New Delhi by Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).

The award is a dedicated platform to explore the latent potential of mobile and telecom sector across eight countries in South Asia, it said.

The 668 system provides an internet- and SMS-based interface to end-users to help them retrieve their registered SIM card information. Under this system, a subscriber can send his computerised national identification card (CNIC) number to 668 via an SMS. He then receives details of all SIM cards registered against his CNIC along with the names of the mobile phone companies.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2011.