User (Iqama) ID number now required to recharge prepaid mobile phones in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has announced that entering a user's ID number, together with a prepaid card number, would be mandatory to charge a cell phone's credit or transfer money from the user's credit to that of another subscriber starting July 31. In a press statement, the telecom regulator said the new procedure aims to end the practice of anonymous persons misusing SIM cards.
In the new system, a consumer should enter his ID or Iqama number immediately after entering the prepaid card number to recharge the phone's credit. It would not be possible to recharge without entering the ID number. The telecom regulator warned citizens and expatriates against using any prepaid SIM card with an unknown identity.
"The information supplied by subscribers while buying a SIM card must be correct and updated. It would not be possible either to charge or transfer credit if the users do not enter the same ID or Iqama number that they had furnished while subscribing to the service," the statement said, adding that the new procedure is part of the commission's efforts to contain the spread of illegal prepaid cards.
The regulator urged those who want more information or details about this to contact the service provider through its customer care offices, contact centers or website. The commission disclosed that it has completed all the necessary procedures and arrangements to enforce this decision.
A few months ago, Abdullah Al-Darrab, governor of CITC, reiterated the commission's resolve to go ahead with introducing this system. He also noted that the telecommunications companies in the Kingdom had asked for a time period to introduce the system in order to make the necessary changes in their system to support the regulation.
The CITC chief said that anonymous SIM cards were posing a severe threat to the security of the nation and the society as well. He urged all citizens and foreigners in the Kingdom not to buy such SIM cards to avoid the complications and dangers that might be involved in them. He also said that buying anonymous SIM cards is a clear violation of the law and that violators would face penal action.
Syed Abdul Qadeer Jaffery
Cost Control Dept.
P O Box 9887 Jeddah 21423
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 2 6400 004 Extn 5440
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