How Can U Get a Government Sim Working Again Once You Havent Uswd It for a Month
Frequently Asked Questions for SIM Registration 2021
1. Why the need/benefit for SIM Registration?
a. Secure your SIM and stay connected
b. To develop and build a SIM database with integrity, boosting confidence and security for the use of services dependent on the communications network
c. To curb fraudulent and criminal activities
d. Secure SIM Card based transactions
e. To help determine at every point in time the accurate number of valid and accurate SIMs on the networks
f. For Operators, the exercise will enable them to build better demographics of their customer base and help them develop products and services to suit the various groupings
g. The Regulator, NCA, will also depend on the statistics generated by the data to regulate the industry even better.
h. On the economic front, the SIM Registration will enhance economic growth and gradually formalise the informal sector as people will now be able to access E-Government services and other private e-services. In addition, the SIM Registration will also support financial inclusion across the vulnerable sectors.
2. Why are we re-registering?
a. ID Verification – The key challenge with the 2010/2011 SIM registration and thereafter was the verification of the identification documents used. There are records of fake ID numbers as well as fictitious names for existing SIM registration databases. The integrity of existing SIM registration databases was compromised by the non-verification of the identities used for registration.
b. Pre-registered SIM cards – There is also the issue of non-verification of IDs which allowed some SIM card vendors to register SIMs before selling them. Consequently, the SIM was already activated before it is sold to the eventual user. This defeated the primary objective of the SIM registration exercise. In 2016, the Electronic Communications (Amendment) Act, 2016, Act 910 outlawed the dealing in pre-registered SIMs. Violators were and are liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than three thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than five years or to both.
c. Non-enforcement of the provisions of the law – Since sometime in 2013, the NCA relaxed the enforcement of the SIM Registration Regulations due to a plan to register all SIM users following the issuance of a National Identification Card. Regulation 7(1)(l) of the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 – L.I. 2111 (20th Feb, 2012) made the National ID card the mandatory identification document for registration of SIM cards. The plan at the time was to conduct a national SIM re-registration exercise when the national ID registration exercise is completed. The national ID project which delayed created a long lull in enforcement of the SIM registration regulations resulting in several improperly registered SIMs being activated on the networks of the MNOs.
d. Enforcement of the provisions of the law – In accordance with the law, the following Identification Document shall be used for the registration exercise:
i. Regulation 7(1)(l) of the National Identity Register states that, "A National Identity Card (Ghana Card) issued to an individual shall be used for the registration of SIM cards; where identification is required." This is applicable to individuals who qualify for citizen and non-citizen National ID Cards.
ii. For non-citizens who are not resident in Ghana (who will be staying in Ghana for less than 90 days), a valid passport or ECOWAS Card; is required
iii. For a corporate body, a certificate of incorporation will be required for identification.
3. What will our details/data be used for?
a. Your details shall be stored in a Central SIM Registry and shall only be accessed:
i. Upon receipt of a court order to aid law enforcement prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute fraud and other criminal activities.
ii. To aid National Security matters such as a public health emergency.
b. Your details will not be used for any other purpose or shared.
4. Who will keep our details/data?
The data will be stored in a Central SIM Registry at the National Information Technology Agency.
5. Who can have access to the details/data collected?
a. Access to the SIM Register will be highly restricted with the relevant audit trails to provide details of anyone who accesses it. There will be strict compliance with the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843). Furthermore, the Data Protection Commission is a major stakeholder in this exercise.
b. The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation has designated the National Information Technology Agency as the institution to host the SIM Register.
6. Is there any cost to the SIM Registration?
a. Existing subscribers will not be required to pay for registering your SIM Card. Please do not pay money to any agent or vendor who asks for money to register your SIM Card. Also report to your Service Provider or the NCA, anybody who asks for payment before registering your SIM Card.
b. The Government has agreed with all stakeholders to waive the fee for SIM registration to encourage SIM Registration.
c. New Subscribers will only be required to pay for the cost of the SIM Cards and not for the cost of the Registration.
7. What IDs would be required?
The ID used is dependent on the type of Subscriber. Please see below for the different types of subscribers:
8. What happens to the old registration data?
This will no longer be useful.
9. Where was the old registration data kept?
The data for the old registration was kept with the various MNOs or SIM issuing companies.
10. What happens if my Ghana Card is lost?
a. Your Ghana Card is needed to complete the SIM Registration Process.
b. As long as you have the key information that was captured when you were registering for the Ghana Card, you can complete Stage 1 of the SIM Registration.
c. However, we advise that you get a replacement Ghana Card as it will be needed for Stage 2 of the Registration.
11. If Ghana Card is to be used, what happens to those who do not have the Ghana Card?
a. The NIA is opening Regional and District Offices to enable Ghanaians who have not registered for their Ghana Cards to be able to do so.
b. In addition, those who have registered but have not picked up their Ghana Cards should be able to do so from the various NIA offices.
12. What is the duration for the registration?
The SIM Registration begins on 1st October, 2021 for a six (6) month period and ends on 31st March, 2022.
13. Is the SIM Registration Mandatory?
Yes, from 1st October, 2021, all SIM Cards should be registered in line with the new registration procedures.
14. What happens after the deadline for the registration?
a. There will be a review of the SIM Registration project to determine the next steps.
b. But it should be noted that SIMs that have not been registered in accordance with these new directives and guidelines will be removed from the networks.
15. How would the registration process be managed taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic?
a. For this reason, subscribers can actually stay home and complete Stage 1 of the SIM Registration. It is only for the Stage 2 where subscribers will have to visit their Service Provider (Customer Care Centre or Agent).
b. Furthermore, the MNOs have a lot of agents and Subscribers do not have to rush to do this. There SIM registration process will be conducted for a period of six (6) months.
16. Would the registration kick-off be nation-wide or in phases?
a. The registration process is nation-wide.
b. As stated earlier the registration process has been developed to in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Subscribers can do the first stage in the comfort of their homes and they have six (6) months to complete the bio-capture. For businesses, the MNOs will engage them regarding their registration.
c. Furthermore, the second stage which requires the subscriber to visit the agent or customer care centre is done in a contactless manner with regards to the capturing of the bio metrics. The only point of contact is when the agent takes your Ghana Card to capture the details. But they have also been trained to sanitise it before giving it back. We also urge subscribers to ensure that their IDs are sanitised.
17. How many SIM cards can one register?
See below the various limits for SIM Card ownership:
a. Individuals – Limit of 10 SIM Cards across all networks
b. Foreigners – Limit of 3 SIM Cards across all networks for Visiting Foreigners – Limit of 10 SIM Cards across all networks for Resident Foreigners
c. Businesses – No Limit on SIM Cards for Businesses
18. Won't the fact that there is no limit for Businesses defeat the purpose of the SIM Registration?
a. No. Please note that each SIM Card will be linked to a Business Operating Certificate and the Ghana Card of one of the business entity's listed directors to make it easy (on the production of a court order) to identify the owner of a SIM Card.
b. The general public is cautioned to avoid hiding behind Businesses to register as many SIM Cards as they want as ALL SIM Cards registered to a Business will be linked to the Ghana Card of a Listed Director.
19. How long will it take for one to register?
a. The whole process should take approximately 7 to 8 minutes for your SIM to be registered.
b. For Existing Registrations
i. Stage 1 (Linking Ghana Card to SIM Card via USSD) – 4 minutes
ii. Stage 2 (Bio-capture via SIM Registration app) – 4 minutes
c. For New Registrations
i. Entire Process (via SIM Registration app) – 5 minutes
20. What would happen to the old mobile money registrations?
The MNOs will ensure that the relevant SIM registration will be linked to the Mobile Money accounts.
21. Some MNOs had asked their customers to register their SIM Cards. What happens to the validity of their registration with regards to update of their records?
a. Subscribers who have registered their SIM Cards will have to register in line with the new directives.
b. The MNOs will endeavour to comply with the current requirements and directives for the national SIM Registration exercise.
22. Will numbers change or old numbers will be maintained?
The SIM Registration exercise will not result in a change of numbers. You will still be using your same numbers.
23. Will we require new SIM cards?
No, you will not require new SIM Cards.
24. Will this be the final registration or do we have to register again after some years?
a. The Government is hopeful that this Registration exercise will be the last one to be held. That is why utmost attention is being paid to ensure that the relevant processes are all in place before the exercise begins.
b. The Government has engaged all relevant stakeholders involved in this exercise and all parties have worked assiduously to fill all likely gaps for the particular exercise based on lessons learnt from the previous exercise conducted.
25. Will Registering my SIM Card give me ownership of the SIM forever?
a. As long as you keep the SIM card active, it is yours.
b. SIM Cards that are inactive for over a period of 90 days will be churned as per laid down policies.
c. This applies to Resident Foreign Nationals who have registered their SIM Cards with a Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
d. Foreign Nationals who register a SIM Card with their Passports or ECOWAS Cards will have the SIM only activated for use for only 30 days. This can only be extended twice more for a period of 30 days each time after re-applying and providing evidence of their extended stay to their Service Provider. At the end of which the SIM Card will be de-activated.
26. We keep on Registering our SIM Cards. Why? I have registered my SIM Cards more than twice, why are you asking me do so again?
The Government has only conducted one previous registration exercise and that was in 2010/2011 SIM.
27. What happens to inactive SIM cards? Can they be re-registered?
a. Inactive SIM Cards as per the NCA's directives to the MNOs are churned for re-use.
b. Only SIM Cards which have been biometrically registered will be connected to the network after the deadline.
c. If your SIM Card is inactive, contact your service provider and ensure to register it unless of course you do not want to use the SIM Card again.
28. How do I de-link a SIM Card from my Ghana Card if I no longer wish to use it? How long will it take to do this?
a. You will be required to visit your service provider and follow their instructions on how to de-link your SIM Card from your Ghana Card.
b. Please check with your Service Provider to find out how long it will take.
29. Can I register more than one SIM card with the same ID card?
Yes, you can register more than one SIM Card with the same ID.
30. How many SIM cards can I register on one network?
a. Please note that you can own 10 SIM Cards across all the networks (AirtelTigo, Busy, Glo, MTN, Surfline, Telesol and Vodafone).
b. For Consumer choice, you decide which networks to spread the 10 SIM Cards across.
31. Can I register a SIM card for each network?
Yes, you can register a SIM Card for each network if you so wish.
32. I have over 5 SIM cards. Can I register all of them at once with the USSD?
No. Each SIM card will uniquely be registered.
33. How can NCA determine the number of SIMs that have been registered?
The NCA will receive daily updates from MNOs and BWAs on SIM cards registered.
34. Do I need to re-register after porting to a different network?
When you decide to port your number to a different network, you will be required to go to the new network provider with your ID as pertains.
35. Will the registration affect already ported numbers?
Yes, already ported numbers will have to be registered once the exercise starts on 1st October, 2021.
36. Will the registration affect tariffs?
No. The registration will not affect the tariffs for communication services.
37. Can a minor/under age register?
The Government has noted that as a result of the pandemic, more and more younger people are using connected devices for their online educational activities. To accommodate this, and in cognisance of the importance of communications services, the age for owning a SIM Card is set at 15 years.
38. If not, can one register for a minor?
a. For people younger than 15 years of age, it will be necessary for them to have an adult register for them. The adult should be a parent or guardian of the individual who is less than 15 years of age.
b. Again, we caution everyone to ensure that they do not use their Ghana Card, Business document or Passport to register a SIM Card for unknown people as you may be held responsible if the SIM is found to have committed fraudulent activities.
39. What about disabled or aged people with mobility challenges?
a. The beauty about this is that most of the Operators have agents who are mobile and can move to any location easily.
b. We also advise that calls can be made to the Operators to request for assistance and they will help. It will be useful for subscribers to indicate their location to enable the operator identify the closest agent to assist them.
40. What happens to pre-registered SIM cards?
a. The SIM registration exercise will ensure that pre-registered or SIMs registered in-correctly are taken off the network.
b. The NCA will be conducting regular audit inspections of the MNOs to ensure compliance.
41. But I have been using my pre-registered SIM Card for over 3 years. How Can I register it in my name as I have been using it for a lot of my transactions?
a. One of the objectives for this exercise is to erase or delete SIMs which cannot be accounted for in terms of ownership and to ensure that each SIM Card is tied to a valid ID.
b. For subscribers who find themselves in this situation, all they need to do is to inform their Service Provider who will then let them submit some documentation or provide evidence to support their claim before the SIM Card can be registered in their name.
c. For subscribers of MTN and Glo who are facing such challenges, if they are unable to link their Ghana Card to the SIM Card, the network will send them a message to inform them that they will be called with a specific number to go through some security procedures.
d. For subscribers of Vodafone and AirtelTigo who are facing such challenges, if they are unable to link their Ghana Card to the SIM Card, the network will send them some security questions related to their use of the SIM Card.
42. I lost a family member and I have been receiving calls on their SIM related to their work or to the family? How can I register the SIM in my name?
a. The loss of a loved one always creates the need to continue communicating with regards to their friends or business partners.
b. When such a situation occurs, subscribers are advised to submit the Letters of Administration for the estate of the deceased and the SIM Card will then be registered accordingly. Where the subscriber's name is not on the Letters of Administration, they will need the person(s) designated in the Letters of Administration to write an Authority Letter to the Service Provider requesting them to register the SIM Card in the name of the one who want to keep on using the SIM Card.
c. In a Business environment, the Business can easily request the Service Provider to link the SIM Card to the Ghana Card of another Listed Director.
43. I am a Ghanaian living outside, on peacekeeping, official assignment outside and I still use my Ghana SIM Card. How can I register my SIM Card as I do not want to lose the number?
a. We recognise that this is an issue which affects a number of Ghanaians. We encourage subscribers in such situations to endeavour to complete Stage 1 (via USSD) of the SIM Registration process for existing subscribers. The NCA will come out with modalities for subscribers in these situations to complete their Bio-Capture.
b. This also applies to MTN subscribers outside Ghana who have signed up for the "MTN Reserve My Number" service.
44. How would the registration affect and curb Mobile Money fraud?
a. We are hopeful that with each SIM connected to a valid ID; Ghana Card, Business Registration Certificate or foreign Passport, the perpetrators of these fraud will no longer have any hiding place and will be forced to stop the fraudulent activities.
b. This is possible as fraudsters will be identified with their mobile numbers because each subscriber's mobile number is tied to his or her ID card/ Passport details.
45. After the registration, will we still be required to present ID cards for mobile money transactions?
That will depend on the operational policies of the MNOs offering these services.
46. What information will be required from me for the SIM Registration?
47. Does my information have to match the information I gave when registering for my Ghana Card? And what happens if some of the information I provide does not match?
a. Yes. This is necessary to ensure that the identity of the person is verified for SIM Ownership.
b. Registration officials will expect that you produce your Ghana Card. They will then verify if the card you presented is authentic.
c. As mentioned earlier, if you have misplaced your Ghana Card, or do not have one, kindly contact the NIA for a replacement or to be issued one.
48. What happens if some of the information I provide does not match?
You will be informed by your Service provider or their Agent and you may need to visit the NIA to resolve this.
49. Can you explain the registration process, as in how will the data I provide for my SIM Registration and ID Verification be processed? SIM Re-registration will be done via various means depending on the type of Subscriber you are.
a. For Existing Individual Pre-Paid and Post-Paid Subscribers
i. Customer initiates registration of existing SIM by submitting Ghana Card details via a Short Code as under-listed via USSD Short Code 404:
a . First name and Surname
b. Date of Birth
c. Ghana Card PIN
d. Sex
ii. MNOs confirm customer ownership by comparing details [Surname, First name(s), DOB and Sex] with existing registration database and when there is mismatch, authentication process is activated.
iii. If ownership is established, the subscriber's Ghana Card PIN and DOB would be submitted to the NIA for validation.
iv. NIA confirms verification and sends KYC dataset if validation is successful (matches) and uses the data to complete registration.
v. The customer is notified and will be sent a unique reference code (SUIID) which will be used for the second part of the registration process.
vi. If validation is unsuccessful (mismatches), NIA sends a failed report (specifying the failed field (s) only) and reason for failure to the Operator.
vii. If verification and SIM ownership cannot be established, the request will be rejected.
viii. The customer receives a notification of failure and will be required to visit the CCC of their Service Provider.
b. For:
• New Individual Pre-Paid Registration
• Existing and New Individual BWA Subscribers
i. New customer purchases SIM from Agent. Before SIM is activated, new customer submits their Ghana Card to MNO Agent. MNO Agent conducts physical checks with new customer and at the same time capture all the minimum datasets as detailed below via the SIM Registration App:
a. First name and Surname
b. Date of Birth
c. Ghana Card PIN
d. Sex
ii. Details are forwarded from MNO to NIA for verification process.
iii. Once verification is completed by the NIA, KYC information is submitted to the MNO and feedback is sent to the Agent via the SIM Reg. App (SRA).
iv. The Agent proceeds to capture the following via the SRA:
a. Front and Back of the Customer's Ghana Card
b. Picture of the Subscriber
c. Fingerprints of the Subscriber
* Subscriber is advised to ensure that the correct details are captured before submission.
v. After successful capture and submission to the Service Provider, the SIM is now activated for use.
c. For Foreign Nationals with Existing Pre-Paid and Post-Paid SIM Cards
i. Customer initiates registration of existing SIM by submitting Ghana Card details as under-listed via USSD Short Code 404:
a. First name and Surname
b. Date of Birth
c. Passports or ECOWAS Cards Number for Non-Resident Foreigners/Non-Citizen Ghana Card PIN for Resident Foreigners
d. Sex
ii. MNOs confirms customer ownership by comparing details [Surname, First name(s), DOB and Sex] with existing registration database and when there is mismatch, authentication process is activated by the Operator.
iii. If ownership is established, the subscriber's Ghana Card PIN and DOB would be submitted to the NIA for validation.
iv. For Non-Resident Foreigners, MNOs will conduct validation via approved database.
v. NIA confirms verification and sends KYC dataset if validation is successful (matches) and uses the data to complete registration.
vi. The customer is notified and will be sent a unique reference code (SUIID) which will be used for the second part of the registration process.
vii. If validation is unsuccessful (mismatches), NIA sends a failed report (specifying the failed field (s) only) and reason for failure to the Operator.
viii. If verification and SIM ownership cannot be established, the request will be rejected.
ix. The customer receives a notification of failure and will be required to visit the CCC of their Service Provider
d. For:
• New Foreign Pre-Paid Registration
• New Subscribers Existing and New BWA Registrations
i. New customer purchase SIM from Agent. Before SIM is activated, new customer submits their Passport/ECOWAS Card/Non-Citizen Ghana Card to MNO Agent. MNO Agent conducts physical checks with new customer and at the same time capture all the minimum datasets as detailed below via the SIM Registration App:
a. First name and Surname
b. Date of Birth
c. Ghana Card PIN
d. Sex
ii. Details from Non-Citizen Ghana Card are forwarded from MNO to NIA for verification process.
iii. For Non-Resident Foreigners, MNOs will conduct validation via approved database.
iv. Once verification is completed by the NIA, KYC information is submitted to the MNO and feedback is sent to the Agent via the SIM Reg. App (SRA).
v. The Agent proceeds to capture the following via the SRA:
a. Front and Back of the Customer's Ghana Card
b. Picture of the Subscriber
c. Fingerprints of the Subscriber
* Subscriber is advised to ensure that the correct details are captured before submission.
vi. After successful capture and submission to the Service Provider, the SIM is now activated for use.
e. For:
• Existing Business Entities
• New Business Entities
i. Business Entities will go through a due diligence process with their Operator which includes the MNO verifying their business registration documents with Registrar General's Department (RGD).
ii. After that has been done successfully, the MNO will take the Listed Director of the entity through the SIM Registration App and link one Business SIM card to the Listed Director's Ghana Card.
iii. For public/civil service organisations, they will have to send a letter to the MNO signed by the head of the institution with the name of a Director whose Ghana Card will be linked to the SIMs of the organisation.
iv. The MNO will then have to submit a list of the SIM Cards of the company to the Sim Register.
v. Registered Business SIM Cards will be distinct from personal SIM Cards registered by the Shareholder/Director.
50. How do I register my Data SIMs since it does not have a dialler and I can't use it to send a USSD?
a. If you have any SIM being used in a device for services including internet/data/mifi services, please note that the mode of registration will be like that of the new SIM Registration.
b. Kindly verify the specific process for this from your Service Provider.
51. What devices will be used for the SIM Registration?
a. For phase 1, there will be no special devices to be used from the Existing Subscriber's point as the first process will be done via USSD on the Subscriber's own device.
b. Agents will be using a device which has been loaded with the SRA for:
i. For phase 2 of the registration process for existing subscribers
ii. For the entire registration process for new subscribers
iii. For the entire registration process for new and existing BWA Subscribers
52. What self-help procedures are in place for the SIM Registration?
A number of procedures have been developed to help the subscriber. They include:
| Subscriber Query | Short Code | Cost |
| The status of my SIM Card registration | 400 | No Cost |
| To register your SIM Card | 404 | No Cost |
53. How can I as an Individual check the SIM Cards which have been linked to my Ghana Card? How can Business Entities also check which SIM Cards are registered in the name of the Business, given that some Businesses may have over 100 SIM Cards for their operations?
Individuals and Businesses are kindly check with your Service Provider for how you can verify SIMs registered in your name and with your Ghana Card.
54. Is internet connectivity required for the SIM Registration?
a. Internet connection is not required for the first stage(USSD) of the Registration process for Existing Subscribers.
b. However, for the second part of the Registration process for Existing Subscribers and the entire Registration process for New Subscribers, Internet Connectivity is required as the Agents who will be undertaking this will be using the SRA.
55. What about areas with no Internet?
The SRA is designed in such a way that the app can store a number of SIM Registrations and hold them on the system. When the Agent gets to a point where they can connect to the internet, the stored registration information will be sent to the MNOs for processing.
56. What support are in place for Operators?
a. To assist the entire registration process, the MoCD has engaged the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and Ghana Post (GP) so that MNOs can use the respective Community ICT Centres and Post Office Branches with internet connectivity to conduct SIM Registration.
b. The NCA has also made available three (3) of its Regional Offices to support Operators in this regard.
Source: https://nca.org.gh/key-concern-areas-frequently-asked-questions-for-sim-registration-2021/
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