MTC has reiterated that customers who wish to continue using the services provided by the mobile giant must provide their biometric data during the registration of their SIM cards.
MTC's insistence comes in contrast to the stance taken by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), which clarified that the capture of biometric data would not be mandatory for SIM card registrations.
Despite the directive issued by CRAN on Friday, MTC remains firm in its position.
In a statement, MTC emphasised that the capture of biometric data is essential to enhance security measures and combat online and cyber fraud.
As a result, MTC will continue to require customers to undergo the biometric process as a condition for accessing their services.
However, Katrina Sikeni, the Communications and Consumer Relations Executive at CRAN stated that the authority will take appropriate action against any operator that defies the directive.
"CRAN will take regulatory enforcement action against any operator who forces the capture of mandatory biometric data from consumers for the process of SIM card registration. The crux of our decision is to simply ensure that the requirements of the SIM registration regulations and conditions do not make biometric data collection a mandatory requirement for the registration of SIM cards."
CRAN stated that consumers should be permitted to register their SIM cards by providing the necessary information, such as their names, addresses of ordinary residence, and ID cards, passports, or any other official document issued by the government or any other country.
Regarding the fate of the biometric data already captured, CRAN has clarified that it will not issue a blanket directive. The data was collected under different circumstances, with some consumers having given their consent for the capture of their biometric information.
However, customers who voluntarily choose to provide their biometric data are still welcome to do so.
This suggests that, while it is not mandatory, individuals have the option to provide their biometric information if they wish.