MTN Uganda concludes mandatory SIM registration

By 31 August the service provider had successfully registered 96% of its close to 8.2 million active customer base leaving a total of 327,548 active customers yet to be registered. These have been affected by the full deactivation process effective 1 September 2013 as communicated by the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC).

The initial period was focused on registering as many of its customers as possible as the company carried out a validation of the information laterally. "We have been able to achieve this however there is some back log in terms of verification. Customers whose details are yet to be verified will not be disconnected", said Anthony Katamba, MTN Uganda's general manager Corporate Services.

Register and reconnect

All customers that have completed the registration process are considered 'registered'. The customers whose SIM cards have been deactivated can still visit one of its Customer Service outlets (Service Centers) across the country along with the Registration Agents that will be open even after the deadline. They will be able to register and reconnect them in line with guidelines issued by UCC.

Katamba explained that the disconnection will affect SIM card based services including incoming and outgoing voice, SMS, MMS and internet data services. The disconnection however does not mean these subscribers have lost their SIMs or their airtime balances. Upon registration, the SIM cards will be reconnected. Disconnected subscribers will still be able to call the MTN helplines as well as the subscriber registration short code of 197 to get assistance on how to register and get reconnected.

"There will be no need for customers to buy new SIM cards but the existing MTN SIM cards will be reactivated after registration. We will make sure that all our customers are given equal opportunity to register and remain connected on MTN network", he added.

MTN Uganda is presently carrying out a verification of all the subscriber information received which will continue even after 31 August 2013.

How to reconnect

How does a customer reconnect a number which has been deactivated?

1. Dial call center helpline 123 to submit registration information
   
2. Dial USSD self and alternate number registration via *197#. You will be guided through a menu process to register your SIM.
   
3. Send SMS with to register self or alternate number via short code 197
   
4. Call IVR voice registration helpline short code 197. You will be guided through a menu process to register your SIM.
   
5. Send an e-mail with a completed form attached, copy of ID and scanned photograph to gu.oc.ntm@retsiger
   

All information submitted using the above listed options will be subject to off-line verification before reconnection.