PTA to incept new SIM activation system

Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr. Mohammed Yaseen, has said that all arrangements have been finalized for the inception of new system for issuance of non-activated SIMs and their activation after verification from February 01, 2009.

He said this during a visit to Call Center and Customer Services Center of CM Pak Mobile (Zong) here today. On this occasion Chairman PTA witnessed the demonstration of new system of activation of mobile phone SIMs and enquired about the verification process.

He asked questions about the new system from the Call Center representatives. Deputy CEO China Mobile Mr. Zafar Usmani briefed him about the preparation for this system and showed his satisfaction on it.

It may be noted that earlier pre-activated SIMs were being sold in the market and could be used instantly after purchase. In contrast, in the new system, a non activated SIM would be sold to the consumer after checking his original CNIC and filling of Cellular Service Agreement (CSA) form. The consumer will then call 789 from same SIM and Call Center would ask few questions to verify the data provided by the consumer. After online verification from NADRA, if answers were correct SIM would be activated. In case of incorrect answers consumer will contact NADRA Swift Center or Customer Services Center of the concerned mobile operator.

Chairman PTA said that this is a new system and it has been adopted for the safety and convenience of consumers. He said that after this system is implemented, it is expected that usage of unnamed SIMs for anti-social activities would be reduced. Dr. Mohammed Yaseen said that this system has been made operational after concerted efforts of PTA and with the help of all mobile operators. He also appealed to the mobile consumers to cooperate with mobile companies for the smooth functioning of this system.