For Successful SIM Registration

For a nation rattled by the absence of relevant and valid database of GSM subscribers, the recent report that the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has formerly commenced the registration of Sim cards nationwide is indeed a refreshing development.

Since the idea of registering Sim cards by GSM service providers was first mooted last year, it was clear that not all the telecommunications companies are excited about it. Their reasons may be obvious to them but most Nigerians are not impressed by their inability to maximise the   numerous advantages to be derived from the exercise.

Aside from the long term benefits of providing a database of subscribers, the principal reason for Sim registration is to reduce the incidence of crimes easily perpetrated by some criminal elements using GSM phones. Indeed, the emergence of GSM phones has aided the sophistry of crimes, especially among cyber-savvy youths who use the GSM for kidnapping and for easy co-ordination of their movements.

While we are not suggesting that all crimes have been committed with the aid of mobile phones, the truth is that cheap and easy access to GSM phones has been a warehouse to crime merchants. This is more so in an environment in which any one can buy Sims, and use them bearing in mind he or she may never be traced. This was why when the NCC directed mobile telecommunications service providers like MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat, Visafone, among others, to register all Sims on their network, most Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief. However, since the exercise began last year, it appears that most operators are not interested in the exercise, even as it provides the most potent tool to fight crimes in the nation.

Until the NCC formerly announced direct involvement in the Sim registration process on March 28, 2011, across the nation, for six months from the date of commencement, people bought their Sims anywhere. With this new vigour, subscribers are now mandated to provide national identity card, international passport, drivers licence or identification letter with passport photograph signed by traditional ruler/community leader, in the case of rural dwellers. Similarly, a biometric information and digital photograph is taken at the centre in order to ensure a reliable database of subscribers.

Before now, all you need to do if you wanted to acquire a Sim was to simply walk across the street buy one from any of the street vendors. The implication was that such Sims could be used for any kind of call without their owners being traced.

But insisting that Sims are now to be registered, the NCC wants the incidence of this nature and other crimes committed  with GSM phones to be brought under control. This, The Tide thinks, is a step in the right direction. It deserves the support of all Nigerians, including those who make the Sims and provide the network loops. True, the exercise itself may not be full-proof. Nonetheless, that does not altogether negate the gains to be made from the exercise.

Also while cost and logistics problems may be the reason for the foot-dragging of GSM owners, when NCC directed last year, that they should register Sims, it was nothing compared to the benefits derivable from the exercise.

Not only will the NCC initiative help in checking the incidence of mobile phone-assisted crimes, it will equally assist in identifying the source of ill-motivated phone calls. It cannot be denied that many users of GSM phones have thoroughly abused it. We support the NCC exercise. We, however, appeal that no stone should be left unturned by ensuring that every nook and cranny of the country is affected by the exercise.

All the GSM network operators and their retailers should therefore co-operate with the NCC initiative by sensitising their customers on the need to register their old Sims. New buyers must be made to register before sales can be completed. The fight against crime must be taken from all angles, if it is to be won. Indeed, the case of Sim registration has never been more compelling than now when crime rate is on the increase. Those who perpetrate crimes using GSM phones must be made to understand that they cannot continue to oppress the society with such ease. The phone was made to ease and make life better.