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Emirates ID Card or Passport required to apply for new SIM card

Emirates ID Card or Passport required to apply for new SIM card

According to a new regulation by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), applications for new mobile phone SIM card must accompany a copy of either Emirates ID Card or Passport.

Earlier, subscribers used to get new SIM card by submitting copies of labor card or driving license.

The rules were circulated to all mobile phone shops and other GSM handset outlets involved in the sale of Etisalat and du SIM cards.

“Please be aware that the new regulatory policy states new procedures and measures for obtaining and registering mobile SIM cards and services. In particular, it specifies the following ID documentation for obtaining and registering SIM cards and services-the Emirates ID or the passport,” TRA said.

“It is essential to emphasize the importance of implementing these new procedures which are in effect starting July 17 and to distribute a copy of the original notice to all points of sales of mobile SIM cards in the UAE.”

UAE mobile phone users ask to re-register SIMs in 18 months

UAE registration of SIM cards

On pretext of curbing illegal phones, the mobile phone users in the UAE are asked to re-register their SIMs in 18 months or risk having their telephone services cut off.

Reported by the Arabian Business, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said in a statement that mobile phone subscribers are expected to fully update their data and ensure that the sim cards they’re using are registered under their names.

All customers will receive notification of the programme either through text message or phone call.

According to TRA, Re-registration prevents any unauthorised or criminal usage of sim cards and helps in curbing legal or social violations besides reducing frauds that have been noticed during the last few years.

Etisalat has 105 registration points across the UAE while du has 46.

Apparently this is an attempt by the government to curb the use of fake / replica cellphones, freely sold across UAE. Rather than stopping the sales, the authorities are punishing the subscribers.

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Etisalat to cut call costs up to 30% for India and Philippines

Etisalat smart land telephone

In a move that raised the spirits for Indian and Filipinno expats in Dubai, Etisalat has announced that it is cutting the call rates to India and Philippines for up to 30%.

The cuts will affect several countries including Egypt, Jordan, India and the Philippines.

The revised rates will be implemented by second half of this year.

Etisalat is also planning to launch a “smart land telephone”. Among other features, the phone will allow users to make video calls.

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Etisalat to block fake mobiles from January 2012

fake mobile phones

The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), jointly with Etisalat, recently launched the campaign to raise awareness and discourage the use of mobile phones that use a fake (or cloned) International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. An (IMEI) number is a unique 15-digit code on every mobile phone.

As Emirates 24X7 reports, Etisalat will begin stopping functionality of fake illegal handsets from January 1, 2012.

Etisalat has notified customers via SMS message alerting them about their use of fake mobile devices with a fake IMEI number. In order to avoid disconnection of service from January 1, onward, affected customers can replace their fake mobile devices with approved, high quality ones available from Etisalat.

It is not yet clear how Etisalat will determine if a customer is using a fake mobile phone.

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UAE to restrict BlackBerry services?

BlackBerry in UAEAfter an earlier unsuccessful attempt to curb down BlackBerry usage in UAE, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has now asked Etisalat and du, to restrict BlackBerry Enterprise Services (BES) to “qualifying organisations” and private individuals.

Qualifying organisations must have a valid UAE trade licence, and a minimum of 20 or more Enterprise accounts under the company ownership,

However, the move could lead to added costs for local firms wanting to use the more secure service.

Etisalat has already begun communicating with its corporate customers about the change.

From: Arabian Business