Mobile phone subscribers rush to confirm personal details

Still-to-be-identified subscribers to the Cameroon Telecommunications, Camtel, MTN, Cameroon, Orange Cameroun and Nexttel mobile telephone operators have for some days now been receiving messages inviting them to update their personal details or correct any wrong identification information.

The response has been prompt, with subscribers rushing to sales points and websites to renew their identification details. The operation has been launched separately by mobile telephone operators under the auspices of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, with the Telecommunications Regulatory Board playing the watchdog role.

The Camtel office in Yaounde yesterday August 18, 2015, was testimony of the commitment of clients to conform. It was a hustle and bustle affair with staff working tooth and nail to satisfy subscribers. However, measures have been put in place to make sure that the exercise is as fast as possible.

A source at Camtel told Cameroon Tribune that all that is required of subscribers are photocopies of National Identity Cards with their signatures and telephone numbers. At MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroun and Nexttel, clients whose identification information is not complete, have been informed through Short Message Services, SMS, to update it without delay.

The Communication Unit of MTN Cameroon says customers are expected to go to sales points or offices with photocopies of their National Identity Cards. Meanwhile, foreigners are to use serial numbers of their passports and or residence permits, with an indication of their location (place of residence) to have their identification recorded in the database. Customers have also been invited to send the relevant information to id@mtncameroon.net as well.

In a press release, Orange Cameroun informed customers to update their identification files or correct any wrong registration information. The company appealed to customers to dial #198#, visit the web link http://business.orange.cm.identification or reception desks and sales points to submit photocopies of their IDs, passports or residence cards. They will be given identification forms to correct any erroneous data.

At the Regional office of Nexttel in the Mfoundi Market in Yaounde, yesterday August 18, 2015, senior officials with those of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Regulatory Board, were meeting.

The Nexttel Corporate Regulatory Affairs Manager, Hayatou Oumarou, said his company was carrying out the same exercise. He said the aim is to facilitate relations between the company and customers by coming up with a viable, trustworthy and updated database. SMS messages have been sent to clients whose identification information appears faulty. Meanwhile, mobile phone officials have urged customers to hurry up, warning that unconfirmed SIM cards will soon be deactivated.