Users warned to register SIM cards

telecommunications service providers will charge extra to re-register existing SIM cards if they are deactivated on Jan 23, said Communications, Information Technology and Energy Minister Sam Basil.
In a statement yesterday, Basil said that the service providers would charge customers for registration on top of the cost of a new SIM card.
He urged people who are yet to register their SIM cards to do so by Jan 23 to avoid being cut off from networks.
Basil said that he had endorsed the SIM card registration deadline extension by three weeks to Jan 23 as requested by the National Information Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) in consultation with the Office of the Prime Minister.
“The deadline on SIM card registration on Dec 31, 2017, was determined two years ago and really should have been driven by relevant authorities and the telecommunications service providers,” Basil said.
“Everyone should be grateful for the extension.
“The O’Neill-Abel government understands the importance of ensuring that telecommunications is maintained both from the perspective of mobile telecommunications service providers and the customers,” he said.
“Cybersecurity is about responsible and accountable telecommunications. “The SIM card registration exercise is about ensuring that for the safety and security of all, each SIM card must be registered and traceable. This need for safety and security has been given an urgent boost both for customers and residents in Papua New Guinea with Apec senior officials and heads of governments who will be in our country over the next 12 months – amid the growing threats of global terrorism and the use of ICT in what is known as cybercrime.
“Ideally, after two years, this SIM card registration exercise should be complete. However, I understand that given our rugged terrains and isolation and the festive Christmas season with many travelling for Christmas holidays, I have endorsed Nicta’s request for an extension of three weeks.
“All mobile phone service providers are to work closely with Nicta to ensure all your customers are able to register their SIM cards. This extension from Dec 31, 2017 to Jan 23 is final.
“Naturally, relevant authorities like Nicta and Independent Consumer and Competition Commission will be monitoring these services to ensure that mobile telecommunication service providers do not excessively penalise customers.
“But existing customers need to ensure that they make maximum use of the three-week grace period to Jan 23 to avoid paying extra and more importantly for the security and safety of all in Papua New Guinea.”