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The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a completely new SIM registration exercise following a review of the previous process.
According to the Minister, the earlier registration exercise encountered several challenges, including weak biometric verification, inconsistencies in data and cases of fraudulent registrations. He made the disclosure during discussions with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA) on plans for a new nationwide SIM registration process and the rollout of 5G technology.
Mr George explained that the new exercise will be a full reset rather than a continuation of the previous system, with the aim of restoring public confidence and strengthening security in SIM registration.
Under the new framework, the NCA will act as the central repository for SIM registration data, while biometric verification will become mandatory. The Minister also revealed that a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) will be introduced to enable telecom operators to block stolen or fraud-related devices across networks. A revised Legislative Instrument is also being prepared to regulate the process.
Telecommunications operators welcomed the proposed reforms but raised concerns about operational challenges associated with the new system.
On the deployment of 5G technology, the Minister disclosed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause under the previous wholesale 5G framework, paving the way for a competitive spectrum auction.
He clarified that the wholesale model has not been abandoned but will be revised to allow a network-based rollout that ensures universal deployment across operators. The government plans to conduct a new 5G spectrum auction soon as part of the strategy.
However, telecom operators noted that 5G deployment requires significant investment in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion. They therefore called for fair spectrum pricing, clear policy direction and streamlined regulatory approvals to support faster rollout.
The meeting concluded with an agreement between the Ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber and operators to hold further technical engagements to refine the implementation of the new SIM registration framework and the 5G spectrum auction. Immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and releasing documentation for the spectrum auction process.
Source: joynews
