So have you registered your SIM card yet?

If not you have another 18 months before it will be deactivated, seeing that the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment Act (RICA) came into effect today.

RICA aims to assist police in tracing suspects involved in serious crime, with all active SIM cards registered to both a person and an address. Both pre-paid and contract customers on all cellular networks are required to register their SIMS.

In a joint statement MTN, Vodacom and Cell C stated that they are ready to comply with the legislation. TechSmart visited all three service providers’ websites, plus that of Altech Autopage and Nashua Mobile, but only Vodacom’s site was forthcoming with front page info on RICA.  According to Vodacom this is what you need to register:

• Cellphone number

• Full names and surname

• ID number or passport number - you will need to show one of the following documents as proof of identity:

• Green barcoded ID document

• Temporary ID certificate, or

• Passport

• Your residential address:

• You will need to show any document that includes your name and residential address such as a bank statement, municipal rates, cellphone or retail account (not older than three (3) months), existing lease, rental or credit agreement, insurance policy, current TV or motor vehicle license.

•If you live in an informal settlement you can provide a letter and/or affidavit from a school, church or retail store where you receive your post (this letter must be on an official letterhead or have the stamp of the school, church or retail store).

Cell C customers could register at all Cell C franchise stores or at stores where they saw a Rica sign, MTN customers at all MTN’s services centres across the country, and Vodacom customers at any Vodacom outlet. Of course you would have to register in person.