Operators given a peek at biometric solutions

To be deployed at service centres to validate customers’ identity in real-time.

ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone operators have been given a demonstration of a biometric solution to validate customers’ identity - a requirement the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) mandated for all cellular service providers to deploy before February 28.

The only SIMs manufacturer in the country, Kwick High Tech and Solutions proposed the solution that can be deployed at service centres and franchises to validate customers’ identity in real-time.

According to details, the biometric system can communicate instantaneously with the data server - hosted at cellular companies to validate the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC) holders. In addition, there is another module that can use GPRS/EDGE service as communication channel and can be deployed at retail outlets to validate the customer against his/her CNIC even before selling a SIM.



After banning the sale of SIMs at retail outlets, the telecom regulator had asked all mobile phone companies to come up with a biometric solution for verifying the identity of customers. The deadline for the deployment of such system was said to be February 28, however, cellular companies were still waiting for the final directions regarding the procedures for deployment of biometric solutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2013.

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