Question NW4 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
18 April 2023 - NW4
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
1. In light of the fact that MTN was fined billions of rands in Nigeria for failing to disconnect unregistered SIM cards that were used by criminals to commit crimes, what measures has her department put in place to compel telecommunications companies to disconnect all unregistered SIM cards. 2. Whether any fines have been imposed on such companies for violations of relevant laws; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised by ICASA as follows:
1. Section 68 (1) (a) of the Electronic Communications Act (Act No. 36 of 2005) as amended (“the ECA”), enjoins the Authority to make regulations prescribing a numbering plan which must be amended and updated as the Authority considers necessary for efficient use and allocation of numbers. In this regard, the Authority is empowered to regulate the use of numbering resources. The Authority is not empowered to regulate the provision of SIM cards. Thus, compliance with registration of SIM cards and monitoring thereof fall outside the Authority’s jurisdiction. Although the Authority receives audits from licensees regarding active numbers in their networks, it does not receive information on unregistered SIMs.
The Department of Justice is responsible for the registration of SIM cards empowered through Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication‑Related Information Act (RICA) and therefore, the Department should be able to deal with issues pertaining to activation thereof.
2. Not Applicable
Thank You
PQ 4: Hon. V Zungula (ATM) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, NW4E