From the 1st July all Vodacom, MTN, VirginMobile and Cell C will be required to register all SIM card in use, as in terms of the Regulation and Provision of Communication Related Information Act (RICA).

The Act requires mobile operators Cell C, MTN and Vodacom, as well as other service providers such as Nashua Mobile, Autopage and Virgin Mobile South Africa, to register on secure databases the identities, physical address and cellular phone numbers of new and existing customers who buy SIM cards.

All cellphone subscribers, both Prepaid and Contract, will be required to show proof of identity as well as present a utility bill to show proof of residence to RICA agents in order to be registered.

Customers will have 18 months from implementation date to register both their Prepaid and Contract SIM cards and SIM cards of subscribers that fail to comply with RICA within the specified time period will be deactivated.

The Act is intended to assist law enforcement agencies with tracing criminals where cellphones are used to commit major crimes.

Customers need to be aware that only SIM cards need to be registered and not cellphones.

When registering, customers will need to have with them:

*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;
–ID card;
–temporary ID certificate; or
–passport
*Physical 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 3 months), existing lease, rental or credit agreement, insurance policy, current TV or motor vehicle licence.
*If you live in an informal residence you must provide the address of a school or church closest to the area in which you live.

Registration must be done in person and cannot be done telephonically. Trained RICA officers will be deployed nationally and are ready to assist customers with the registration process.

Cell C customers can register at all Cell C franchise stores or at stores where they see a RICA sign. Alternatively, they contact Cell C’s contact centre on 140 (free of charge) from a Cell C cellphone or 084 140 from any other phone for more information on RICA.

MTN customers can register at all MTN’s services centres across the country and in the event customer need guidance and clarity the MTN customer care number is 173, free from an MTN cellphone or 083 173 from any other phone, for prepaid subscribers.

Vodacom customers can register their SIM cards at any Vodacom outlets or they can contact their Customer Care Centre on 111, free from a Vodacom cellphone, or 082 111 from any other phone to find the nearest RICA agent where they can register their SIM card.

*Update – MTN and Vodacom are now enforcing RICA and any new contracts or pre-paid SIM cards need to be registered before the cards will be activated. Existing mobile users have until January 2011 to register their SIM cards.