Tanzania’s SIM registration has been termed haphazard and chaotically conducted at least according to Arusha Urban MP Godbless Lema who says Electronic and Postal Communication Act (EPOCA) of 2010 is being violated.

He pointed out that the process is not in a position to put misuse of communication through mobile phones in the country in check. Joining in, Minister for Communication, science and Technology Prof Makame Mbarawa said the offence could earn individuals imprisonment and heavy fines as well.

“Registration of Sim cards is stipulated through EPOCA and any violating including registering the cards through false names will be dealt with,” said Mbarawa

The issue raised in parliament attracted audience from members of parliament who proposed extension of communication services to the rural areas in the country through Universal Communication Access Fund (UCAF).

The government has identified all areas with poor communication access and which are not attractive to investors in the sector since they are not commercially viable due to low numbers of people and rigid geographical features.

The Ministers were urged to work closely with mobile operators to see through the expansion of services to the people.