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RICA extension approved

By Leigh-Ann Francis
Johannesburg, 12 Nov 2010

Cabinet yesterday approved a six-month extension of the deadline for the registration of mobile SIM cards.

Mobile operators have been lobbying for an extension of the cut-off date for some time now, as unregistered cellular customers were meant to be disconnected from their respective mobile networks on 31 December.

However, the extension now allows for registrations to continue until 30 June 2011.

Cabinet noted Section 62 (6) of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) will be amended shortly to give effect to this decision.

The law is designed to limit crime committed using cellphones and curb the theft of such devices. RICA requires that anyone who has a SIM card has to register by providing a copy of their ID document and proof of residence.

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said the move will allow cellular network operators to register as many people as they can and ensure very few, if any, are cut off.

Mobile operators will be required to report to government on how they plan to comply with the new deadline, he explained.

Related story:
RICA changes fast-tracked

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