MTN Deactivates Unregistered SIM Cards, Airtel To Follow Suit

FOLLOWING the expiration of the deadline for SIM registration on June 30, MTN has announced that it has deactivated unregistered subscribers as directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement Friday, MTN Nigeria’s Corporate Service Executive, Akinwale Goodluck said the telecommunications firm has deactivated all unregistered SIMs, but that those deactivated can reconnect at any of their outlets.
“We, therefore, wish to inform affected subscribers that they can reconnect their lines by visiting the nearest MTN Service Centre, ConnectStore or SIM registration point. We have set up registration points in several places for this purpose,” he said.
Goodluck explained that the process of reconnection would be easy.
He said: “On arrival, you will be required to complete the SIM registration process or update your personal information and provide biometric data, after which your SIM card will be re-activated as soon as possible.

“We urge all affected customers not to panic, as our team of customer service officers are more than ready to assist in reactivating their lines once they have completed their SIM registration as mandated by the NCC,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the top executives of MTN Nigeria told The Guardian that the telecommunications firm could not give the figure of those affected now, stressing that they were not yet authorised to do so.
Airtel too has promised to comply with the regulator’s demand.
Speaking to The Guardian, Airtel Nigeria’s Head of Value Added Services, Deepark Srivastava, “as a law-abiding firm, we shall comply with all regulations, including disconnection of unregistered SIMs.”