Telecom Namibia (TN) on Monday deactivated 191,598 unregistered prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards in a move to comply with regulations set by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).

This was stated in a press release issued by the TN Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Nomvula Kambinda.

According to the statement, the decision follows TN’s commitment to align with the recently implemented SIM card registration regulations mandated by CRAN.

1.6 million SIM cards have been registered across the country as of last month. 

Individuals who have not yet registered their cards are given a 15-day window to do so.

The deadline for SIM card registration remains unchanged at the end of this month, and those who do not register by then risk being suspended from telecommunication service. 

Cable theft has caused Telecom Namibia service interruptions since last night, which affected internet and voice services.

The affected areas were Hochland Park, Khomasdal, the Western Business Area in Katima Mulilo, and Veddersdal in Okahandja.

So far, services have been restored in Hochland Park, with other places still without services.

The Public Relations Officer at Telecom, Nomvula Kambinda, says they cannot indicate when the services will be fully restored, as this will depend on the size of the cables in each area.

Telecom Namibia, as a key stakeholder, intends to meet the National Development Plans and Sustainable Development Goals through its just launched integrated Strategic Business Plan.

This was revealed by TN CEO, Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, at an engagement with the media.

Telecom Namibia has been nominated to host this year's 43rd Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) annual conference from April 26–28 in Swakopmund.

The conference is hosted on a rotational basis.

Among others, the conference will deliberate on the G5's implementation, artificial intelligence, telecommunication infrastructure, possible challenges faced in the fourth industrial revolution, and how to ensure greater internet connectivity in rural areas.