According to sources, for SIM verifications the cellular companies are now directed to start rolling out Biometric system immediately.
By December 1st, 2013 in Karachi and across Pakistan by 20th December 2013, cellular mobile companies are asked to complete the deployment of biometric verification system. This was decided last week during a high-level meeting, chaired by Secretary Interior.
According to the information, cellular companies are now given the option of purchasing the equipment from the vendor of their choice, which is used for biometric verification of customers.
Mobile Sims
In Pakistan however, there are only two vendors offering the biometric verification solution and son of a former Chairman NADRA owned one of them.
The cost of equipment for biometric verification, to be installed at Franchises and Service Centers, is around $90. This solution will come without computer and internet connectivity and include a thumb scanner. This simple scanner will do the job, since all franchises and service centers are already equipped with computer and internet connectivity.
To make sure that CNIC holder is indeed the person he/she is claiming to be, the thumb impression of subscriber will be matched with NADRA’s database in real-time. A SIM will be issued to the purchaser after verification of thumb impression.
NADRA Biometrics For Telcos
The other kind of biometric equipment will cost around $350 to $400 and will come with internet connectivity, computer terminal and scanner.
Moreover, 789 SIM activation system will be closed for ever, which is in practice since January 2009 for activation of new SIMs.
With un-registered and un-verified SIMs, Telecom industry of Pakistan is long struggling. To get rid of unregistered SIMs from the market, all regulatory and industry efforts made so far have proven insufficient.
Biometric Verification
Telcos think that to make the process 100% fool proof, the concerned authorities should have taken their time in deciding the procedures and methodologies of the biometric system.
Analysts anticipate that unless complete cellular base, including existing subscriber is not verified again, biometric verification system will also fail.
Amid increasing pressure from law-enforcement agencies, PTA, Interior Ministry and the courts, cellular companies agreed to deploy biometric system despite apparent flaws.
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