Need for Sim Registration

It is well-known that mobile phones are revolutionizing communications across the globe, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

The palpable excitement notwithstanding; security concerns are beginning to mount over the indiscriminate hawking of Subscriber Identification Module (Sim) packs also known as Sim cards nationwide.

Sim card holds all of a subscriber’s personal information and phone settings. In essence, it is the subscriber’s authorization to use the network. It also holds the phone number, personal security key and other data necessary for the handset to function. The card can be switched from phone to phone, letting the new phone receive all calls to the subscriber’s number.

Hawking of Sim cards is now common place on the streets and roads across the country.

In some countries identification papers identification of card buyers are required and this has helped the countries control crime.

The reason is to aim to curb the prevalent use of cellular communications in committing crimes by enabling law enforcement personnel to track down unscrupulous individuals who have taken advantage of unregistered Sim packs and hide behind untraceable cellular phone numbers.

Accreditation is also needed because security officials can identify the people who make calls or send short message service that may undermine national security.

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon), umbrella body of about 161 telecommunications firms registered and operating in the country has said that there is need to accredit Sim cards in Nigeria.

According to the body, lack of information on Sim card dealers and holders has made it impossible for security agencies to conclude telecom fraud investigations.

Apart from the security implications, Sim card accreditation would also create job opportunities including data warehousing, data mining and storage area networks.

Need for Sim Registration

It is well-known that mobile phones are revolutionizing communications across the globe, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

The palpable excitement notwithstanding; security concerns are beginning to mount over the indiscriminate hawking of Subscriber Identification Module (Sim) packs also known as Sim cards nationwide.

Sim card holds all of a subscriber’s personal information and phone settings. In essence, it is the subscriber’s authorization to use the network. It also holds the phone number, personal security key and other data necessary for the handset to function. The card can be switched from phone to phone, letting the new phone receive all calls to the subscriber’s number.

Hawking of Sim cards is now common place on the streets and roads across the country.

In some countries identification papers identification of card buyers are required and this has helped the countries control crime.

The reason is to aim to curb the prevalent use of cellular communications in committing crimes by enabling law enforcement personnel to track down unscrupulous individuals who have taken advantage of unregistered Sim packs and hide behind untraceable cellular phone numbers.

Accreditation is also needed because security officials can identify the people who make calls or send short message service that may undermine national security.

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon), umbrella body of about 161 telecommunications firms registered and operating in the country has said that there is need to accredit Sim cards in Nigeria.

According to the body, lack of information on Sim card dealers and holders has made it impossible for security agencies to conclude telecom fraud investigations.

Apart from the security implications, Sim card accreditation would also create job opportunities including data warehousing, data mining and storage area networks.