Namibia’s two main mobile telecommunications operators stand to lose more than N$15 million per month combined due to the suspension of customers who failed to register their Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards on time.

This is because mobile telephony customers who failed to register before the 31 March deadline have had their numbers suspended. 

As prescribed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) in terms of Part 6 of the Communications Act (2009), the mandatory SIM card registration ended on 31 March 2024.

In adherence to the Act, MTC deregistered more than 323 200 customers, who contribute approximately 3.1% of the company’s revenue. 

This equates to an average of N$8.1 million in revenue per month. 

Since the mandatory process started, MTC has managed to register 1 613 893 SIM cards, representing a registration rate of 83.3%. 

“As per the authority’s directive, the registration process ended on the 31st of March 2024, following the extension from the initial deadline of 31st December 2023.

 In that sense, it now means that the unregistered customers will unfortunately be suspended from the network. The suspension, however, does not mean that their numbers are de-activated. On the contrary, suspension simply means that a suspended number will not be able to utilise any services for the interim until one complies with the SIM registration process. This process is to last for 90 days, effective 1 April until 1 July 2024, or as otherwise decided by authority. The period of 1 April until 1 July 2024 is referred to as grace period,” explained MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo. 

He added that should the “grace period” lapse, and with no action having been taken by a SIM owner, the relevant number will be de-activated and/or permanently deleted from the network.

Meanwhile, MTC has always maintained it would require at least two years to successfully finalise the SIM registration process. 

“Despite our best efforts, we have encountered challenges in finalising the registration process for all customers, as previously communicated to the authority, such as the geographical vastness of our country amongst other socio-economic conditions, which made it impossible for some members of the public to register on time,” MTC stated.  

Ekandjo continued: “MTC would have welcomed an extended time to be able to register all our customers. Although it is not an ideal situation, the reality of the matter is that MTC must act accordingly and follow the directive to suspend numbers – as stipulated by the authority. Should any new development arise pertaining to SIM registration, we will inform our consumers accordingly”. 

Furthermore, Telecom Namibia stands to lose a monthly income of N$7.5 million, following the deactivation of close to 191 600 unregistered prepaid SIM cards on 1 April 2024.

“Telecom Namibia stands to lose a monthly income of N$7.5 million as a result of unregistered prepaid sim cards. Customers have flocked to our teleshops since 02 April, and we are recording a significant number of registered users daily. Thus, this amount will vary from day to day as more customers register their numbers,” read a statement issued by Telecom Namibia. 

The company added it has received complaints from customers claiming to have SIM cards deactivated, despite having registered. 

“The company is requesting all affected customers to contact the customer care centre on 11000 or the social media helpdesk via WhatsApp on 0852111111 and give their contact details for their SIM cards to be activated soonest,” Telecom invited. 

Telecom added that customers seeking a new mobile identity can opt to purchase a new 085 SIM card at any Telecom Namibia Teleshop. 

“These cards can be activated and registered instantaneously, empowering you to select your preferred phone number and begin utilising our services immediately,” Telecom stated. 

Furthermore, Telecom Namibia teleshops will be extending their operating hours by two hours each day until 15 April 2024.

This extended schedule is to enable customers with deactivated SIM cards ample opportunity to visit a teleshop and complete the registration process.

“We encourage all affected customers to take advantage of this extended service window and visit their nearest teleshop to reactivate their SIM cards. Our friendly staff is available to assist you with the registration process and ensure a swift return to enjoying our telecommunication services,” reads a Telecom statement. 

Moreover, Bank Windhoek has urged customers to ensure their SIM cards are registered to access mobile banking services. 

“Bank Windhoek has been actively encouraging customers to register SIM cards to avoid disruption in banking services over the past few months. For any financial-related information, please access our annual report on the Bank Windhoek website,” stated Bank Windhoek spokesperson Jacquiline Pack.

Also commenting on the impact of suspended SIM cards, Bankers Association of Namibia (BAN) chief executive Brian Katjaerua cautioned that thousands of mobile money users have been blocked from using mobile banking services after their SIM cards were suspended.

 He also warned that SIM card suspensions could disproportionately impact rural communities, who rely on mobile banking for financial transactions.

“A lot of Namibians actually make use of these wallets to send money around. There may be some clients who may not have had time to register their SIM cards – and as a result, their online banking platforms will not be working, but those are probably the minority,” Katjaerua stated.