Telcos start blocking unregistered SIM cards

According to a statement from the Chamber of Telecommunications, SIM cards that have not been registered with the Ghana Card are now being blocked and deactivated by members of the Chamber (AirtelTigo, MTN, and Vodafone).

The Communications and Digitalization Ministry issued an order on November 11 that led to the decision to disable the unregistered SIM cards, according to a statement from the Chamber dated November 22.

“Since the 20th of November, 2022 our members have been blocking data services for all subscribers who have only completed stage 1 (linkage to Ghana Card) but not stage 2 (biometric capture) of the SIM registration process, as directed by the Ministry,” the statement highlighted

It asked all customers to finish stage 2 (biometric capture) before November 30, 2022, even if they already own Ghana cards.

All subscriber SIMs that have not finished the biometric capture registration stage by November 30 will be entirely deactivated, according to the statement from the Telcos.

It suggested contacting the National Communications Authority or their Mobile Network Operator for help if a person needed particular assistance registering their SIM card.

“We are confident that the sector Ministry and NCA will announce measures to accommodate individuals who genuinely do not have Ghana cards, once ongoing consultations have been completed,” the statement included

The Communications and Digitalization Ministry said on November 11 that access to data services for SIM cards that have been linked to Ghana Cards but have not yet completed the second registration step would be disabled starting on November 20 and will be entirely turned off on November 30.

As of November 9, the Ministry estimates that 30 million SIM cards have been connected to Ghana Cards, and 20.9 million customers had finished the registration procedure by providing their biometric information.

A statement about steps to accommodate those who do not have Ghana Cards to register their SIM cards would be made, according to the sector minister.

For failing to register with their Ghana Cards, customers’ SIM cards will now be disconnected for the second time.

Due to their inability to register before the deadline on September 30, several SIM cards were terminated before the prior deadline.

These customers were subsequently reinstated after the Communications Minister declared a postponement of the SIM card registration deadline.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com