Nghe An: Network operators pledge to recall all pre-activated SIM cards

(Baonghean.vn) - All newly activated subscribers will have no money and traffic before the first card top-up according to regulations; card top-up promotion cannot be greater than 50% of the card top-up value.

These are the commitments of businesses at the signing ceremony of commitments to withdraw pre-activated SIM cards and comply with regulations on prepaid mobile subscriber management in the province on the afternoon of April 25, organized by the Department of Information and Communications.

The Department of Information and Communications, the Provincial Police and mobile network service providers pledged to recall all "junk" SIM cards. Photo: Mai Hoa

Although the policy of recalling pre-activated SIM cards has been implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communications, and a commitment has been signed with Corporations, General Companies, and Mobile Network Service Providers since October 2016; and branches in the province, however, through inspection and examination from the Department of Information and Communications, this policy has not yet been seriously implemented in the market.

Therefore, to continue to strictly implement this policy, ensure healthy competition between mobile network service providers and protect the rights of users, the Department of Information and Communications is working with branches providing mobile services in the province to unify and organize a signing ceremony of implementation commitment.

Director of Viettel Nghe An Branch commits to implementing the policy of managing prepaid mobile SIM cards. Photo: Mai Hoa

Accordingly, all new subscriber SIM cards (KIT) activated from November 1, 2016 circulating in the market through all distribution channels are 0 VND KITs, with no money and traffic in any account before the first card top-up according to regulations; no card top-up promotion of more than 50% is applied, no card top-up incentive policy is applied, no discount for selling KITs lower than the total cost.

Enterprises self-check to identify pre-activated SIM cards on distribution channels, deploy measures to coordinate with agents and points of sale to have effective handling and recall measures. At the same time, commit to take responsibility and deploy measures to ensure maximum benefits for users.

Pre-activated prepaid SIM cards are still sold publicly and can be purchased easily. Photo: Internet

At the signing ceremony, 5 mobile service business units, including Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone, Gmobile, Vietnammobile, affirmed the correct policy of the Government and the Ministry of Information and Communications, to strengthen the management of prepaid mobile subscribers; activate subscribers, promotions in violation of regulations; protect the confidentiality of personal information of service users and prevent the illegal purchase and circulation of mobile SIM cards.

On the side of mobile network service providers, there will also be an equal competitive environment and sustainable development with traditional customers; users will be provided with quality and stable services. Some network operators also shared some difficulties related to the implementation of this policy stemming from the habit and psychology of using "junk" SIM cards; on the other hand, because a part of the people have incorrect, damaged or expired ID cards, it is difficult to register to use mobile networks according to regulations...

Mr. Phan Nguyen Hao - Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications, affirmed: The Department of Information and Communications will coordinate with the police force to strengthen inspection and handle violations objectively and promptly by network operators. Photo: Mai Hoa

However, speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Phan Nguyen Hao - Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications, said: Mobile service business is considered a conditional service, requiring users to have an ID card to register information with the network operator, so it is impossible to use the reason of expired ID cards or people's usage habits to cause difficulties in social management.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications also emphasized: This policy of the Government and the Ministry of Information and Communications must be seriously implemented, ensuring State management, information security and sustainable growth of mobile service providers. Therefore, businesses and units must be aware and responsible in implementing this policy, and at the same time have management solutions for their agents.

The Department of Information and Communications will coordinate with the police force to strengthen inspections and promptly and objectively handle violating network operators. Network operators will also conduct cross-inspections to create equality in business and avoid the situation where some network operators comply well and others do not./.

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