The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Emma Theofelus, has announced significant progress in the registration of SIM cards.

The initiative, which began in 2021, is being done in compliance with the Communications Act.

The minister revealed that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) temporarily suspended 567,298 SIM cards by the deadline of March 31st this year. 

The suspension of SIM cards resulted in the inability of users to make calls or send text messages.

"I'm delighted to inform MPs that following the SIM registration deadline of March 31, 2024, compliance increased from 70.6% in February 2024 to 91% by April 30, 2024. The importance of registering SIM cards cannot be over emphasised. This growth is crucial for preventing phone-based fraud, identity theft, and other criminal activity. Mobile operators have played a pivotal role in this success. Paratus Telecommunications and Nuclea Mobile achieved 100% registration of their clients, while Telecom Namibia and MTC registered 70% and 94% of their users, respectively."

SIM card holders have since been granted a grace period until the 30th of this month.

"Users who fail to do so risk having their numbers permanently cancelled, allowing mobile operators to resell the numbers to new users, who will then need to register their SIM cards."

She called on fellow MPs to assist the ministry by encouraging communities to use the remaining time to register their SIM cards.

The registration of SIM cards, says Theofilus, aids in crime investigations involving telecommunication devices and bolsters e-commerce.