RICA kicks in properly
The compulsory registration of all SIM cards in use, in terms of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), came into effect on 1 July 2009.
The Act requires mobile operators Cell C, MTN and Vodacom, as well as other service providers such as Nashua Mobile, Autopage and Virgin Mobile South Africa, to register on secure databases the identities, physical address and cellular phone numbers of new and existing customers who buy SIM cards.
While the RICA may have been in place since July, it was still possible for consumers to purchase a cellular SIM and activate it on a network without providing proof of identification or other information. This has however come to an end.
The Department of Justice has indicated that it will start to impose penalties on the cellular operators from 1 August if they do not comply with RICA, and the three major mobile players in South Africa now say they are in compliance with the new Act.
“We do not grant access to a customer without going through the RICA process. At Cell C we pride ourselves by abiding to legislation,” said Cell C spokesperson Sean van der Westhuizen.
Vodacom also confirmed that users will not be able to purchase a new SIM card or activate a new SIM on their network without supplying the necessary information required by RICA.
MTN on Friday released an official statement saying that 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.
Existing prepaid subscribers have until January 2011 to register their SIM to avoid being cut off by their mobile provider.
RICA SIM registration discussion
Loading ...