NCC Steps up National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration
The Nigeria Communication Commissions (NCC) has said it would be responsible for the implementation and management of the Device Management System DMS.
This is part of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration published by the Commission.
It noted that network providers will begin cross-checking all phones International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and status on a proposed Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) also known as Device Management System (DMS) before allowing a device to become active on their network.
This move the commiasion stated will help in curtailing counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile, phone theft, enhance National Security, protect consumer interest, increase revenue generation for the government, reduce rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices.
“To achieve this, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be responsible for the implementation and management of the DMS to achieve the policy objectives”.
“The implementation of a Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and owners of such devices.
“IMEIs that have been reported as either stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the operators and service providers. The purpose is to ensure that such devices do not work even if different SIM Cards are inserted in those devices”.
The Revised Policy publication also revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed “that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.
“DMS will also provide access to all operators to cross-check the IMEIs and their status before allowing a device to become active on their network.
“Furthermore, registered mobile phone technicians will also be provided with an interface to check IMEIs and ensure it has not been reported as stolen or illegal before they render their technical services”.
It is worthy to note that any Nigerian who fails to comply with the policy will be unable to make calls, send text messages, or use the internet except through WiFi.
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is an international identity number used to uniquely identify a mobile phone. The 15-digit IMEI number is an electronic fingerprint transmitted every time a phone is used, which reveals the identity of the mobile handset.
