The pilot phase of implementing the new rules began on Monday and will run until June 16, still on an “optional” basis, becoming “mandatory in the last six months” of the year, according to information from Communications Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (INCM).
"From 2025 onwards, subscribers who do not regularize their SIM card registration run the risk of having their cards blocked“, warns the INCM.
The regulatory entity explains that the new rules are contained in decree 12/2023 of April 11, which approves the Regulation on Registration of Telecommunications Services, and one of the novelties of the new model consists of “do not allow registration of cards with another person’s document".
At the time of registration, the subscriber provides their biometric data, in this case fingerprints and facial recognition, in addition to showing valid identification documents, such as identity card, driving license, passport, Dire [residence permit], among others. , explains the INCM.
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The use of biometrics will allow easy identification of perpetrators of crimes in the sector, which is currently made difficult by the lack of this information, said INCM administrator, Constâncio Trigo.
In general, in the telecommunications sector in Mozambique alone, an average of five thousand scams and frauds are reported every month that attack the security of the telecommunications network. The use of biometrics aims to allow easy identification of criminals, added Constâncio Trigo.
With the implementation of the new regulation, the subscriber now has a Unique Telecommunications Number (NUTEL), to be generated by the INCM for the unique identification of the subscriber throughout the system, regardless of the operator.
The new regulation, explains the regulator, also requires the registration of communication devices, as well as distribution agents and resellers.
