Mobile SIM sale: Biometric verification necessary
Outlets equipped with biometric verification machines would be allowed to sell mobile SIMs
ISLAMABAD:
The government has made biometric verification a must for activation of new mobile SIMs. A spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said only those customer service centres of mobile companies, franchises and authorised retail outlets would be allowed to sell mobile SIMs, which were equipped with biometric verification machines to confirm the identification of customers. “From Friday onwards, mobile SIMs would be sold to those customers who will successfully pass through thumb and NADRA Computerised National Identity Card verification process,” it said. The previous restriction of five SIMs for a single identification number has been followed by this step, which has been taken in line with national security interests to avoid any untoward incident in the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2014.
The government has made biometric verification a must for activation of new mobile SIMs. A spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said only those customer service centres of mobile companies, franchises and authorised retail outlets would be allowed to sell mobile SIMs, which were equipped with biometric verification machines to confirm the identification of customers. “From Friday onwards, mobile SIMs would be sold to those customers who will successfully pass through thumb and NADRA Computerised National Identity Card verification process,” it said. The previous restriction of five SIMs for a single identification number has been followed by this step, which has been taken in line with national security interests to avoid any untoward incident in the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2014.