OUR Telekom has announced some changes on mobile phone usage as part of new rules on SIM card activation that comes into effect on Saturday 1st February.
Under the new rules, all new SIM cards purchased at Our Telekom’s Agent Points will require full registration with a valid form of identification at the time of purchase, rendering the longtime activation method of dialing 122 and other activation codes obsolete.
The new policy is aimed at enhancing security and ensuring that all mobile subscriptions are linked to verified identities—a shift expected to help combat abuse and fraud in mobile services.
Hence, as of February 1, any unregistered new SIM card will not function, highlighting the importance of registering at the point of sale.
For consumers planning to buy a new SIM card post-February 1, it is crucial to ensure that it is registered immediately upon purchase. Failure to do so will result in the SIM being inactive and unusable.
Current SIM card holders who have not yet registered their SIMs are also urged to take action. All existing users must complete their registration before 4 July to avoid potential disconnection of their services.
To facilitate the registration process, users will need to present a valid ID and Accepted forms of identification include a Birth Certificate, a Passport, a Voter’s ID, a Driver’s License or an NPF Membership ID
Public service announcements have been circulated, urging citizens not to wait until the last minute to register their SIMs and emphasising the importance of compliance with these new regulations to ensure uninterrupted mobile services.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
