According to a statement issued by the regulator, PTA has started the inspection of Home Location Registers (HLRs) of the Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to confirm blocking of unverified SIMs.
To confirm the blocking of SIMs that could not be re-verified beyond September 2013, PTA team headed by DG Enforcement, visited CMOs’ office during last week.
PTA Officials Visit Telecom Companies
The progress of CMOs on identifying and blocking “not re-verified” SIMs was checked by PTA, during the visit. According to the statement, CMOs assured PTA to continue their efforts against identity theft (SIMs activated without CNIC holders knowledge).
However, the number of blocked unregistered SIMs during the process was not mentioned in the statement. It also wasn’t mentioned whether the unregistered SIMs were blocked or still there were any unregistered SIMs remaining.
Telecom Companies
In order to ensure that the SIMs are registered against the CNIC of the authorized (legitimate) user, PTA has set-up a system called “SIM Information System – 668”. By sending his/her CNIC number to short code “668”, a customer can get the count of each mobile company’s SIMs registered against his/her CNIC. By requesting respective operator, the customer can remove extra SIMs against his/her CNIC, in case of any data mismatch.
To get the SIM registered against his/her CNIC, users of all such disowned SIMs are then approached by respective mobile operator. The SIM is blocked after the time period of 15 days, otherwise. By using this system and disown extra Sims registered on their CNICs without their consent, general public is requested to support PTO and CMOs.
Blocked SIM
On blocking and verification of SIMs, PTA is following the policy guidelines of the government. It is hoped that through the joint effort by all stakeholders including the general public, the issue of un-authorized SIMs will be resolved.
PTA Officials Visit Telecom Companies to Confirmation Blocking of Un-Verified Sims,
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