Mobile Users to Visit Customer Centers for Data Correction
Islamabad: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised the mobile phone subscribers to visit Customers Services Centre (CSC) of concerned mobile operator and get their SIM(s) data corrected. PTA has also requested the subscribers cooperation in streamlining of SIM data.
PTA has recently introduced a new service named SIM Information System - 668 to enable the mobile subscribers to know the total number of SIMs issued against their names with each mobile operator by sending their CNIC number to 668. It has been observed that mobile users after getting information through this service contact the operators helpline service to know the details of those numbers which have been issued against their CNIC without their knowledge. PTA has stated that the users may visit the CSC of concerned mobile operator to resolve this issue. In order to get the data corrected, for further action, mobile users would personally visit the CSC of the concerned operator and fill an undertaking by listing all the SIMs/numbers in their use and would get the unwanted numbers withdrawn from their names. The CSC shall return a copy of this undertaking to the customer.
PTA has now made it compulsory for all mobile users to have their SIMs registered in their names. The unauthorized SIM owners have been advised to register the SIM in their names within seven days of notification from concerned Customer Services Center otherwise their calling facility will be stopped after thirteen days and the SIM will be completely blocked after seventeen days of that notice. It is pertinent to mention that data currently available is updated till 31st January, 2009 which shall be updated with regular intervals.
PTA has launched this service to facilitate the mobile users and secure their data. The Authority has said that without the cooperation of mobile subscribers the benefits of this service cannot be achieved at desired levels. PTA is aware of the fact that there is limited number of CSCs and unavailability of CSCs in some cities and towns therefore a lot of rush is expected. The service will be expanded to more cities and towns in the subsequent phases, after devising appropriate methods, in consultation with mobile companies. Since this facility involves consumer identity protection thus great care is being taken in devising methods of confirmation.
Since its launch, this service has been helpful in revealing and minimizing the misuse of CNIC numbers of mobile subscribers by franchisees and retailers. It is also helping in addressing the issue of unauthorized SIMs. PTA, since last two years, has launched number of campaigns through print and electronic media for the awareness of mobile users on this issue and is still engaged in such activities.
Khurram A. Mehran
Director (PR)
