Zim: Mobile networks to disconnect unregistered users

Zimbabwe's telecoms regulator has given mobile phone users up to 31 August 2010 to register personal details with their operators, failure of which would result in the disconnection of their lines.

By Dumisani Ndlela

15 Jun 2010

The move, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), is meant to combat criminal activities and abuse of mobile telecommunications services by users.

In a notice issued Thursday, 11 June, POTRAZ said: "The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the public that all mobile service providers have been directed to ensure that all postpaid and prepaid mobile phone users should be registered with their mobile operators by the 31st of August 2010...Failure to comply will result in the disconnection of lines."

Combating offensive messages

POTRAZ said registration would help to combat transmission of obscene, offensive and threatening messages, as well as the spread of falsehoods for the purposes of causing annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to others.

While the move is in line with developments elsewhere on the continent, sceptics fear the new measures could be used to track political opponents under the draconian Interception of Communications Act which compels telecom firms to surrender information on users to government once requested to do so.

Dumisani Ndlela

About Dumisani Ndlela

Dumisani Ndlela is a Zimbabwean journalist specialising in business and financial reporting, with experience reporting on commodities, stock and financial markets, advertising, marketing and the media. He has previously reported from a number of regional countries as well as from the UK and Germany on commodities and regional integration. He can be contacted on ku.oc.oohay@aleldnd.