cellphone service providers over SIM cards

 The government has warned mobile phone service providers against resale of SIM cards already in use or allowing to access networks those which are not registered.

 

It revealed that a number of mobile telecommunication firms were selling unregistered SIM cards against the legal procedure set by the Authority.

 

Minister for Works, Transport and Technology Prof Makame Mbarawa said a number of people were using their mobile phones despite having not registered them with any mobile telecommunication firm or they have been registered under fake names, warning that practice were illegal.

He said the problem was mostly practiced by mobile telecommunication agencies entrusted with their registration.

 

“We blame mobile telecommunication providers for not employing staff capable of working under restricted licensed terms,” the minister explained.

 

Mbarawa said mobile service providers had to address the problem immediately before it inconvenienced consumers.

 

He said the government would revoke licences of service providers who did not follow or conducted their affairs according to the licence terms.

 

In July 2009 the government introduced SIM card registration under which consumer were required to register their cards before use. 

This aimed at enhancing security, the welfare and development of the communications sector in the country. 

 

The minister added that apart from providing communication services to their customers cellphone service providers should ensure their customers were well protected. 

 

He wanted them to be responsible to their customers by making them aware of the rules and regulations relating to their services.

He asked service providers to employ staff who were competent in their field so they could educate consumers effectively.

“Service providers should also employ agencies which have good knowledge and can oversee the rules guiding registration of mobile phones,” he stressed. 

 

According to the minister, the number of SIM cards had rapidly increased from 2,963,737 in 2005 to 39,808, 419 in December last year.

 

He added that the number of internet users had increased from 1,013,104 in 2005 to 17,263,523 in December last year.

 

The minister also noted that 94 per cent of all internet users (16,280,943) used mobile phones to access internet service.

 

 Prof Mbarawa noted that the data showed how the use of mobile phones meant consumers had to be protected due to the challenges resulted from the rapid increase.

 

TCRA Director of Consumer and Industry Affairs Dr. Raynold Mfungahema urged the public to confront the service providers if they faced problems in the communication service before they report the cases to the Authority.

 

 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN