RAWALPINDI: Cellular companies have been directed to stop activation of the subscriber’s identification modules (SIMs) on old pattern from July 31.

According to a notification issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), SIMs can be activated after biometric verification from August 1.

“From August 1, SIM sale and customer service activities throughout the country will only be possible through company-owned customer service centres, franchises and authorised retail outlets equipped with biometric verification machines.”

It has been learnt that the mobile companies would open important business centres (not franchises) to accommodate their customers during Eid holidays.

The PTA informed citizens that SIM activation by dialing 789 (including pre-sale short messaging service (SMS) through retailers) will stop on July 31.

The buyer would provide thumb impression on the biometric device for online verification with Nadra and then the SIM will be delivered to him.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2014