Deadline for mandatory SIM card registration imminent

As the deadline for the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards looms, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) urges stakeholders to register their SIM cards before March 31, 2024, to avoid disconnection starting April 1, 2024.

As of February 29, 2024, Namibia recorded 2,387,230 active SIM cards, with 1,687,742 successfully registered, reflecting a registration rate of 70.6%. Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua, CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude to registered stakeholders and emphasized the importance of compliance for those yet to register their SIM cards.

Unregistered SIM cards will face a three-month suspension starting April 1, 2024. Affected customers will experience service disruptions during this period and will receive warning notifications. Failure to register within this timeframe will result in the loss of associated numbers. Mobile telecommunications operators are prepared to implement these suspension measures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

CRAN reaffirms the stance of the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Honourable Emma Theofelus, that no further extensions will be granted beyond March 31, 2024.