NCC Bans SIM Cards For Nigerians Below 18yrs.
Truetells Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has banned Nigerians below the age of 18 years from registering and owning a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM).
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This was contained in a draft copy of the modified registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website.
The Commission limited subscribers to only incude Nigerians above 18 years.
Truetells Nigeria understands that the new regulations were made in line with section 70 of the Nigerian Communication Act 2003, as confered upon NCC.
The new regulations reads in part;
“Subscriber means a person not below the age of 18 years who subscribes to communications services by purchasing a subscription medium or entering into a subscription contract with a licensee.
The Licensee refers to ‘a provider of communications services that utilises a subscription medium in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Meanwhile, during the public inquiry, which was held physically and virtually, key stakeholders, including MTN, urged the commission to revise the age limit.
MTN asked the commission to make the age limit 14 years and above.
The NCC, however, insisted on 18 years and above for anyone who wants to own and register a SIM in Nigeria.