Deadline set for UAE mobile users to re-register SIM cards

The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has given a timeframe of 18 months for mobile phone subscribers to re-register their SIM cards, local daily Gulf News reported on Thursday.
 
Etisalat is expected to begin SIM card registration for its customers from July 17 in its 105 sales outlets across the UAE, while telecom operator, du was not available for comment.

“The TRA had introduced a number of procedures to facilitate the process of transferring the SIM cards from the actual owners to the actual users. Thus, the TRA will help attain an easy and flawless procedure to successfully activate the service and supervise the implementation process by the two operators,” Mohammad Nasser Al Ganim, TRA Director General, said in a statement.
 
Customers can register their SIM cards by submitting an application form along with valid identification documents such as passport with valid residency, Emirates ID or GCC ID card.

According to Nasser Al Ganim, the initiative highlights the importance of the mobile subscribers’ role to protect their SIM cards to maintain their privacy.

SIM cards should not be given out to other users to avoid any misuse that may occur, since the registered owner of the number will be legally and financially accountable, he added.
 
SIM card registration is part of the 'My Number, My Identity' campaign undertaken by TRA.