SPYL wants SIM registrations extended
• Take registration to the people, group urges
The deactivation of SIM cards is bound to have a dire impact on mobile service providers and the economy, the youth league said.
The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has urged the information ministry to direct the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to extend the registration period for SIM cards by another 12 months, saying the 31 December deadline is unfavourable.
SPYL made the plea to minister Peya Mushelenga, saying the deactivation of SIM cards is bound to have a dire impact on mobile service providers MTC and TN Mobile.
The youth league said a significant number of residents had yet to register their SIM cards.
“The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards will have a negative impact, not only on the two state-owned mobile telecommunications companies, but also on the economy of the country at large, due the significant reduction in transactions and circulation of money by means of electronic funds transfer (EFT),” it said.
A great number of people were also reliant on cellphone-linked banking services to go about their daily lives.
SIM cards being deactivated would bear negative consequences for the economy, the SPYL said.
“Majority of our people rely on EFT facilities to send and receive money from their loved ones. This circulation is a significant to the enhancement of the country’s economy, hence its abrupt shutdown will plunge the economy into an unintended crisis.”
Process far from masses
Members of the public also face difficulties getting to and from registration points, SPYL said of the exercise.
“Majority of people are struggling to get to the current identified registration points in order for them to register their SIM cards as required, due to transport constraints and other factors. The mobile telecommunications companies must therefore deploy their services in all 121 constituencies, particularly at constituency offices, to give an opportunity to even those in remote areas to register their SIM cards and eliminate long queues at registration points,” the youth group said.
“It is very crucial that an extension period of another 12 months is granted to ensure that every citizen is given a reasonable opportunity to register their SIM cards.”
Executive director Dr Audrin Mathe said government would on 29 December decide whether to allow an extension or not, based on the public’s reaction.
SPYL made the plea to minister Peya Mushelenga, saying the deactivation of SIM cards is bound to have a dire impact on mobile service providers MTC and TN Mobile.
The youth league said a significant number of residents had yet to register their SIM cards.
“The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards will have a negative impact, not only on the two state-owned mobile telecommunications companies, but also on the economy of the country at large, due the significant reduction in transactions and circulation of money by means of electronic funds transfer (EFT),” it said.
A great number of people were also reliant on cellphone-linked banking services to go about their daily lives.
SIM cards being deactivated would bear negative consequences for the economy, the SPYL said.
“Majority of our people rely on EFT facilities to send and receive money from their loved ones. This circulation is a significant to the enhancement of the country’s economy, hence its abrupt shutdown will plunge the economy into an unintended crisis.”
Process far from masses
Members of the public also face difficulties getting to and from registration points, SPYL said of the exercise.
“Majority of people are struggling to get to the current identified registration points in order for them to register their SIM cards as required, due to transport constraints and other factors. The mobile telecommunications companies must therefore deploy their services in all 121 constituencies, particularly at constituency offices, to give an opportunity to even those in remote areas to register their SIM cards and eliminate long queues at registration points,” the youth group said.
“It is very crucial that an extension period of another 12 months is granted to ensure that every citizen is given a reasonable opportunity to register their SIM cards.”
Executive director Dr Audrin Mathe said government would on 29 December decide whether to allow an extension or not, based on the public’s reaction.
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