Islamabad: (February 1, 2009) :  New system of SIM activation after verification of consumer particulars from NADRA has been made functional today (February 1).  Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Offices, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Muzaffarabad teams remained busy on Sunday in surveying the implementation of new procedure of SIM activation.  According to the reports received at Headquarters the system has successfully been launched. PTA teams enquired from consumers regarding availability of non-activated SIMs and response of Call Centers established by mobile companies for activation of new SIMs. Various customer service centres, franchises and registered retailers were visited in this regard.

It may be mentioned that earlier pre-activated SIMs were being sold in the market and could be used instantly after purchase. In contrast, in the new system, a non activated SIM would be sold to the consumer after checking his original CNIC and filling of Cellular Service Agreement (CSA) form. The consumer will then call 789 from the same SIM and Call Center would ask few questions to verify the data provided by the consumer. After the online verification of the consumerâ??s antecedents from NADRA, SIM would be activated in the name of verified customer. In case of incorrect answers consumer will be asked to contact Customer Services Center of the concerned mobile operator or NADRA Swift Center.

After this system is implemented, it is expected that usage of unnamed SIMs for anti-social activities would be reduced and ultimately eliminated.

Khurram Ali Mehran

Deputy Director (PR)