RICA - contract holders?

The best part is ITs Free

And?

Do you even know what RICA is for, and why government wants you to register?

It is all about giving them permission to listen to your calls. Even your provider (Vodacom, MTN, CellC, etc) could listen in on your calls, or look at your messages if they conform to the RICA requirements for doing so.

It had been sold on TV as this hip and cool thing to be done in order to get free sms's, but nowhere did they explain to people what it is for.
 
And?

Do you even know what RICA is for, and why government wants you to register?

It is all about giving them permission to listen to your calls. Even your provider (Vodacom, MTN, CellC, etc) could listen in on your calls, or look at your messages if they conform to the RICA requirements for doing so.

It had been sold on TV as this hip and cool thing to be done in order to get free sms's, but nowhere did they explain to people what it is for.

RICA does feel like an invasion of privacy to me. I've yet to see how it isn't
 
RICA does feel like an invasion of privacy to me. I've yet to see how it isn't


How so?

Any other form of two way radio communication would require a formal license to obtained, here you just need to show who you are and where you live to use a similar device!

RICA is just doing what should have been done over a decade ago!
 
And?

Do you even know what RICA is for, and why government wants you to register?

It is all about giving them permission to listen to your calls. Even your provider (Vodacom, MTN, CellC, etc) could listen in on your calls, or look at your messages if they conform to the RICA requirements for doing so.

It had been sold on TV as this hip and cool thing to be done in order to get free sms's, but nowhere did they explain to people what it is for.

Like any other country you'll find the full Act has been published on Government websites, here (as in the UK) it's called The Government Gazette. You can find copies of all such Gazette notices not surprisingly on most government websites and also here: www.greengazette.co.za

The Act has been discussed (at length) on TV, Radio and in the Press since it's final draft in 2005/6. May you've been on l-o-n-g holiday or out of the country for five years?
 
How so?

Any other form of two way radio communication would require a formal license to obtained, here you just need to show who you are and where you live to use a similar device!

RICA is just doing what should have been done over a decade ago!

That I don't have a problem with, although the service-providers should have contract-holders' details already. The question is, will RICA specifically give govt and service providers the right to ignore people's privacy?
 
That I don't have a problem with, although the service-providers should have contract-holders' details already. The question is, will RICA specifically give govt and service providers the right to ignore people's privacy?

A court order is required to obtain any information for government agencies - This has always been possible but now it has a defined legal framework. Service providers are permitted to use only the elements required to offer you your service, in the case of pre-pay this would be your MSISDN (or your phone number in simple terms) and your SIM serial number. For contract customers you would need to add address and bank details.

Your obligations under RICA extend to you having to report a lost or stolen SIM card or the transfer of any SIM card. You are also required to report any lost, stolen or destroyed handset to the network... The Act fails to indicate which network (one must assume the network on which it was last used) or indeed elaborate on "destroyed" one must assume it means a handset that can not be repaired. These are both things that you would have probably done normally, i.e. a lost SIM you have swapped and your old SIM is switched off - The requirement of RICA has been met. Most people will report their handset lost or stolen in the hope that the "new owner" can not use it!

Actually, the Act now makes it illegal for anyone to pass on your information without a court order and therefore actually offers you extra protection.

One must assume that SIM swaps without giving an ID or Passport number will become impossible post 31/12/2010 - I hope so!
 
And all of this for a totally USELESS exercise... The best thing about RICA is that you get a few free SMS if you do it!
 
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Hi All

Just some info on RICA

RICA is the law that requires the visual verification and recording of all personal details of existing and new customers (Prepaid and Contract customers) for all SIM cards.
RICA is a government initiative and not a network specific initiative.
RICA is the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication –Related information Act. (Act No. 70 of 2002).
It is a new law from the South African government that requires all cell phone users to register with their cellular network, before a new SIM or Cellphone number can be activated.
By visiting their nearest Vodashop, 4u store or any other approved RICA registration outlet where a RICA agent will assist with the registration. Registration is free of charge.
To register, you will need to provide your new Starter pack’s information together with your name, surname, ID number and your residential address.
You will have to show proof of identity by means of a South African issued green bar-coded identity document, temporary ID certificate, ID card or valid passport. (Drivers licenses is not accepted)
You will also need to provide proof of physical address – this can be any document which has your name and surname on, together with your address such as a bank statement, municipal rates, cellular or retail account, an existing lease, rental or credit agreement, insurance policy, current television or motor vehicle license that is not older than three months.
Residents in informal areas can provide a letter, on an official letterhead, from a school or church where they receive their post or an affidavit.

Regards
 
Just a thank you to oc, whatever you had to do to give VC's systems a digital enema, it worked (I got an sms to say I have been RICA registered) :)
 
RICA - How much more does Vodacom need ?

When I took out my contract in 1994, vodacom (Vodac) wanted last 3 months bank statements, last 3 months salary slips, copy of ID, Proof of address, because they thought I was borderline earning only R5000/month – wanted all my dads details as well, and they have been billing same account, send statements to same address for the last 16 years.

Now what is the problem with this RICA thing. Has Vodacom lost all my details?
What more do they want?

Why can’t vodacom just submit all my details and RICA their clients for them ffs!

I’m not going to any shop to waste my time filling in all their cr@p – they can chop me off. They better just stop billing me. I’ve been looking for an excuse to get a better deal elsewhere anyway, just couldn’t be bothered.
 
Unfortunately, RICA has to be done face to face and therefore, it can only be done at a Vodashop. This applies to the all the networks as it is a government initiative.

If you don't RICA then yes, your line will be locked.
 
They know exactly who I am, where I stay - tuff if they need to see my face.
Do they take a picture? My face will look very slightly more mature than the copy they already have from my ID granted.

But good. They in breach of contract, not me. As long as they stop charging me after they suspend the service that is fine.
 
When I change to a new SP I wouldn't mind keeping my number. Think they'll let me port it after it's suspended?
If I have to waste my time going into a shop I'm only doing it once. Think I should do it now?
 
As far as I know the port won't go through if you are in a suspended state. This could mean that you aren't RICA'd, in arrears, etc. To be honest with you, I would go now in order to save yourself all the extra hassles.

Remember, if you do port then you will also have to go through the whole credit application process.
 
To be honest with you, I would go now in order to save yourself all the extra hassles.

Remember, if you do port then you will also have to go through the whole credit application process.

Thanks, I'm thinking the same thing. I'll take your advice and go in before they suspend me.
Certainly don't want to do it twice.
 
Anyone got information on RICA'ing as an international citizen? What documents must I show and how must I prove that I'm 'living' here?
 
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