After seeking information through “SIM Information system 668” introduced by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), around 0.175million complainants i.e. 5.9 percent of total SMSs received at PTA’s System, have so far visited the Customer Service Centers (CSC) of concerned mobile operators for their SIM data correction. Simultaneously, more than 0.4 million illegal/irregular SIMs have been removed from the complainants’ CNICs after they provided undertaking, statement issued by PTA said.
It said that since the launch of this service, PTA has received more than 2.96 million requests of mobile subscribers seeking their SIM information data through SMS and about 0.86 million through web-link available at PTA website.
It may be mentioned that after lodging complaint by a mobile user at CSC/franchise regarding SIMs not in his/her use, those irregular SIMs are being immediately removed from complainant’s CNIC hence completing the consumer’s responsibility. The data currently available with PTA at 668 service as provided by the mobile operators is updated till 31st January, 2009. Data of mobile SIMs issued after 31st January, 2009 will be updated soon.
Surveys conducted by PTA revealed that customers are concerned as to why and how SIMs have been registered against their CNICs without their knowledge. The survey results reveal that mobile customers used to buy SIM from unauthorized sale points and did not fulfill the presale formalities including proper filling of Cellular Service Agreement Form (CSAF).
Another reason of this problem had been misuse of CNIC copy at franchisees and retailers of those customers who did not properly fill up the CSAF. In some cases, negligence on part of consumers while making photocopy of CNIC at different photocopy shops where the copy are retained by shop owners for ulterior motives has also served in bringing up this situation.
PTA Zonal Offices in all provincial capitals are vigilant at their respective ends and they are visiting CSCs of mobile companies in different cities to ensure that the customers are being attended and facilitated adequately.
It is pertinent to mention that mobile subscribers in Karachi have widely appreciated newly launched service 668 by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and said that this service would be helpful for them in addressing the issue of incorrect data and un-authorized SIMs.
On the instructions of Chairman PTA, Zonal Director PTA Karachi, Abdul Batin visited 5 customers’ service centers, and advised the un-authorized SIM owners to register the SIM on their names within seven days of notification from customer service centers otherwise their calling facility will be stopped after 13 days and SIM would be completely blocked after 17 days thereof.
He further said that this service will help to streamline the data and the process will be completed within the 45 days by updating data with PTA HQs, Islamabad.
Via Daily Times
