Churches to register rural mobile users

The National Information and Communication Technology Authority (Nicta) will work with churches to carry out the registration of SIM cards around the country, says Minister for Communications Information Technology and Energy Sam Basil.
Basil was speaking yesterday when announcing the deadline for SIM card registration had been moved from today to April 30.
“Through Nicta chief executive, we will announce the partnership with churches soon to make sure we register the rural areas through the church network,” he said.
Basil also commended subscribers in Milne Bay, West New Britain and East New Britain for having recorded the highest percentage of SIM card registration to date.
“We have received concerns from people in rural areas that some people have lied about being representatives of the mobile companies and have charged subscribers to have their SIMs registered – that is illegal,” he said.
“No telecommunication company should be charging subscribers fees to register their SIM cards.
“If Nicta gets a report regarding charging of fees, Nicta and Independent Consumer and Competition Commission will use laws penalise those concerned.”