Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has implemented a new SIM Card Verification regulation which requires operators to introduce a secure way to verify identities of SIM card holders.
The TRA's latest move comes as part of its efforts to ensure consumers can safely enjoy using their telecoms services with peace of mind.
There have been instances in the past where a large number of individuals have been taken advantage of because of a security gap when consumers take on SIM enabled services, mainly due to the verification process not being sufficient, said a senior official.
"It was brought to our attention that consumers have had multiple SIM cards in their name without their knowledge, and they discovered they had to pay for services they never asked for. This, of course, was unacceptable and TRA had to take action," remarked Mariam Al Mannai, the TRA Consumer Affairs Manager.
In light of this development, operators worked together with TRA to stop criminals from getting access to people’s identities.
"Operators co-operated fully and recommended biometric scans as the best way to impede this kind of activity and safeguard consumers from being victims of fraud," stated Al Mannai.
As per the new TRA rule, all customers must complete the registration of the verification process at the concerned service providers' offices.
Those with postpaid lines will have time until June 2, 2018 for completing the formalities. If they miss the deadline, their lines will get suspended and will have until September 2 to lift the suspension.
Similarly for those with prepaid lines, the deadline ends on March 2 and they will be given a grace period until June 2 to lift the suspension.