Cambodia sets final deadline for SIM registration
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The Telecom Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) has given operators until the start of next month to register all customers’ SIM cards or disconnect any remaining unregistered SIMs.
Operators will need to alert customers at least seven times within seven days before deactivation, the Phnom Penh Post reported.
The TRC gave the order after data submitted by Cambodia’s mobile operators showed that despite the yearlong campaign to crack down on unregistered SIMs, around 1.5 million of the nation’s 19.3 million active SIMs are not properly registered.
The government also plans to take a more active role in monitoring operators’ databases to ensure they are not allowing unregistered SIMs to be sold, by using an online management system. The TRC has indicated there will be more enforcement activity in the future once this system is in place.
According to the report, despite the crackdown, unregistered SIMs can still be found in most Phnom Penh markets selling for as little as $0.50. SIM card sales at legitimate outlets have also declined in rsponse to the anticipated crackdown, as customers prefer the convenience of unregistered cards.
Cambodia has presented the crackdown on unregistered SIMs as an effort to protect national security and reduce crime.
Questions & Answers
Q.How many SIM cards in Cambodia are currently unregistered, despite the ongoing campaign?
How many SIM cards in Cambodia are currently unregistered, despite the ongoing campaign?
Around 1.5 million of Cambodia’s 19.3 million active SIMs are not properly registered. This figure remains despite a year-long campaign aimed at cracking down on unregistered SIMs.
Q.What steps will operators need to take before deactivating an unregistered SIM card?
What steps will operators need to take before deactivating an unregistered SIM card?
Before deactivation, operators are required to alert customers at least seven times within a seven-day period. This is a specific instruction from the Telecom Regulator of Cambodia.
Q.What is the Cambodian government's motivation behind enforcing SIM card registration?
What is the Cambodian government's motivation behind enforcing SIM card registration?
The Cambodian government has stated that the crackdown on unregistered SIMs is an effort to protect national security and to reduce crime. This is the official reason for the initiative.
Q.What impact has the anticipated crackdown had on legitimate SIM card sales?
What impact has the anticipated crackdown had on legitimate SIM card sales?
Legitimate outlets have seen a decline in SIM card sales. Customers are preferring the convenience of unregistered cards, which are still available in markets.
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