Algerian mobile phone providers deactivate anonymous SIM cards

14/10/2008

As part of its counter-terrorism strategy, the Algerian government deactivated all unregistered mobile phones in the country on Friday. The plan was initially delayed to allow time for mobile phone providers to register unidentified customers.

By Nazim Fethi for Magharebia in Algiers – 14/10/08

[Getty Images] Algerian mobile phone users faced a choice October 10th: register SIM cards or face deactivation.

Terrorist groups have long used mobile phones to co-ordinate and perpetrate attacks, taking advantage of the anonymity of pre-paid wireless cards to evade capture. In a move to shut down that terror resource, Algeria set a Friday (October 10th) deadline for users of unregistered mobile phone accounts to identify themselves or else have their SIM cards abruptly deactivated.

Beginning in February 2008, customers of Algerian providers Mobilis, Djezzy and Nedjma were advised to register their SIM cards in order to avoid interruption of service. Official figures show that nearly 31 million SIM cards had been sold in Algeria through May 2008, and internal audits by wireless providers revealed 11.5 million unidentified cards in operation. Following the registration period, some 3 million users remain unknown.

Some Algerians have viewed the government's efforts as an attempt to place undue restrictions on the mobile phone industry, but service providers have worked closely with the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPT) throughout the campaign.

"The decision to bring the chip identification process to an official close on October 10th was not taken unilaterally to back the mobile telephone operators into a corner," said Fawzia Tefridj of the ARPT. "Rather, it was taken in consultation with them." "We are very happy with our collaboration with the telephone operators, who have adhered fully to decisions by the ARPT," Tefridj concluded.

The identification of unregistered users went smoothly, according to Nedjma Assistant Director of Public Relations Ramdane Dhazaïri.

Those who failed to report to the company prior to October 10th found their connection suspended.

At another service provider, suspension of unidentified lines also began on time. Mobilis users were notified in August by mail or SMS of a 30-day deadline to comply with the new regulations the company's Salah Daâs told Magharebia.

At Djezzy, an astonishing 4 million unregistered cards were identified, according to Communications Director Hamid Grine. "A major awareness-raising campaign was launched across the country, inviting subscribers to contact their operator," he said. "Customers have had plenty of time to set things straight. Those who have not done so in time only have themselves to blame," Grine said.

In the days leading up to the October 10th deadline there was a rush to mobile phone company offices, with queues forming in the early morning and even on holidays.

"These endless queues are discouraging, but I have to get my chip identified before Friday, because I don't want to have to change it," said student Samia Kesrane.

The move by the government has a commercial dimension; authorities seek to restore order to the booming mobile telephony market, which accountant Nassim Dali said developed "in complete anarchy".

"SIM cards were so cheap that people were buying three or four," he continued. "You'd find them on the pavement everywhere, and no-one batted an eyelid. Restoring order is good, but it's being done rather brutally."

Of greater concern for many, however, is the effect regulations may have on terrorist organisations like al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

"The suspension of unidentified SIM cards will help us enormously," said an official with the Gendarmerie Nationale in Boumerdès, on condition of anonymity. "Terrorists will no longer be able to use mobile phones to order attacks, or to monitor movements by the security forces. They will no longer be able to use mobile phones to detonate bombs remotely."

The official said anonymous mobile phones were very problematic in fighting terrorism, kidnapping and harassment. "How can you follow the thread of your inquiry when you're dealing with unidentified SIM cards?" he asked.

"Sand pirates work with terrorist groups in the region, using mobile phones to locate the security forces' roadblocks and evade capture," he said. "The suppression of unidentified chips will deprive the terrorists of a valuable weapon, but it is just one battle won in the war against terrorism."