The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is preparing to switch off all SIM cards not registered by August 31, months after the initial deadline which had been set for March 2013.
The New Vision reports the warning was issued by UCC’s executive director Godfrey Mutabazi when he appeared before parliament’s ICT committee where he added they have been patient and the deadlines have been extended a number of times.
“We are going to run announcements in the media about this deadline so that at the end of August nobody will have an excuse,” Mutabazi said.
According to the director, 90 per cent of subscribers have registered their SIM Cards.
Meanwhile, UCC director for technology, networks and services, Patrick Mwesigwa, said all counterfeit mobile phones will be disconnected by October 31.
Currently, the director revealed they are conducting a study to establish the number of counterfeit phones on the network. The study will end in September.
“Counterfeit phones are very dangerous to the bearers. They are a health hazard because they do not conform to the international standards regarding the amount of energy they radiate,” Mwesigwa explained.
The MPs on the committee however appealed to the UCC to consider extending the deadline for phasing out counterfeit phones.
“Counterfeit phones have a bigger user base. The removal of these phones from the network can reduce telecom sector revenue by 30 per cent. They should leave them and only ensure that no more counterfeit phones get into the market,” said James Kyewalabye, the MP for Kiboga.
