How to register your MTN SIM

MTN today said that since 01 July, all customers who purchase a new MTN Pay As You Go starter pack or take out a new cellphone contract need to register their details before the new SIM card can be activated on the MTN network

This is in line with the amended Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, 2008 (“RICA”), which came into effect on 01 July 2009. 

Says Bridget Bhengu, senior manager: PR & Communication of MTN SA: “MTN has been hard at work preparing for the introduction of the new Act and our RICA- systems and processes have been in place since the beginning of July.  We are working with the Department of Justice to ensure that the objectives of RICA – the curbing of crime – are achieved.

“Our prepaid customers need to be aware that all new prepaid Pay As You Go starter packs that are purchased, will only be activated once the customer has registered his or her details with an approved RICA agent at the outlet where the starter pack is purchased, or at any MTN Service Centre outlet. 

“In a case where existing customers (those customers who are currently active on the MTN network) have not been registered, we urge these customers to do so,” explains Bhengu.

What does RICA require?

The newly-implemented Act requires all the customer’s details to be recorded and stored on a secure database. The customer registration details required by MTN are: the full name and surname, ID number and residential address. A customer must ensure that he brings this original ID document and proof of residential address to an approved RICA agent for verification purposes.

Customers who reside in informal settlements can provide the RICA agent with a letter and/or affidavit from the head of the school or church, or the manager or owner of the retail store where the customer usually receives his or her post, which confirms that the customer usually receives his or her post at that specific outlet.  In addition, the letter should be on an original letterhead with an official stamp of the school, church or retail store.

“The Act is intended to assist law enforcement agencies with the investigation of crimes.  In this regard, MTN is committed to assisting the relevant government departments as we all continue to strive to curb serious crime in our country,” concludes Bhengu.

MTN SIM card registration – will it reduce crime?