24 March

MINISTRY of Transport and Communications has directed the telecom operators to sell only two SIM cards to one person as from 1st April, according to the ministry.

The ministry announced its directive recently.

Four operators MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo and MyTel are providing telecom services in Myanmar. “As from 1st April, a person can buy only two SIM cards and needs to show identity card,” said U Soe Thein, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said yesterday.

He also advised the people not to buy SIM cards at roadsideshops as they are not registeredwith their names.

“People should utilize the telecom service after registering SIM cards under their names at legally opened shops ,” said U Soe Thein.

The move is aimed at providing security to mobile financial services and the people, according to the ministry.

In Myanmar, unregistered SIM cards are available at illegal shops. “It is found that a person is using more than two SIM cards. Most are not registered. This situation is not helpful for mobile monetary services. Besides, this situation is not helpful for personal security and for the State as well,” said U Soe Thein.

The Permanent Secretary has also advised the people to tell the operators concerned to suspend their SIM cards in case their registered SIM cards are being used by others.

“The registered user is the most responsible person for possible problems caused by their SIM cards,” he said.

Current situation has shown that SIM cards should reach to those who have not yet got national citizenship scrutiny cards and people in rural areas. “Those who have not yet got national citizenship scrutiny cards can buy SIM cards by showing other identity cards such as driving license cards, students cards.

Foreigners can use their passports to buy SIM cards at shops,” said U Soe Thein. The ministry would announce a separate director to take measures against the illegal shops selling unregistered SIM cards.— MNA