The Telecom Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) has given operators until the start of next month to register all customers’ SIM cards or disconnect any remaining unregistered SIMs.
Operators will need to alert customers at least seven times within seven days before deactivation, the Phnom Penh Post reported.
The TRC gave the order after data submitted by Cambodia’s mobile operators showed that despite the yearlong campaign to crack down on unregistered SIMs, around 1.5 million of the nation’s 19.3 million active SIMs are not properly registered.
The government also plans to take a more active role in monitoring operators’ databases to ensure they are not allowing unregistered SIMs to be sold, by using an online management system. The TRC has indicated there will be more enforcement activity in the future once this system is in place.
According to the report, despite the crackdown, unregistered SIMs can still be found in most Phnom Penh markets selling for as little as $0.50. SIM card sales at legitimate outlets have also declined in rsponse to the anticipated crackdown, as customers prefer the convenience of unregistered cards.
Cambodia has presented the crackdown on unregistered SIMs as an effort to protect national security and reduce crime.