Calls for PrePay SIM Card Registration in Nigeria

The Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, ATCON has called on the telecoms regulator to formulate plans to force new and existing customers to register their PrePay SIM cards. Citing security issues in a country with limited central services, the association believes that the move would not impact on privacy and would help fight crime.

It is unusual for a telecoms trade body to call for such a move - as it is usually mandated by governments against the wishes of the operators. It could be that the association is simply trying to preempt a plan by the government which it has heard about and wants to drive the legislative process rather than leaving it to the politicians.

The proposals, explained by the Association President, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem would require all new subscribers to provide proof of identity when subscribing to a new SIM card. Existing subscribers would have six months to register their existing SIM cards or face disconnection.

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is a professional, non-profit umbrella organisation of all telecommunication companies in Nigeria.

Posted to the site on 28th April 2008