Myanmar to block unregistered SIMs in 2017

Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has announced that all unregistered SIM cards will be blocked from 31 March 2017, the Myanmar Times writes, citing a state-owned media outlet. New customers are already required to register their details when they purchase a SIM card but the regulations are poorly enforced and many SIM cards are sold without registration. Explaining the reason for the crackdown, the MTC said that it was looking to smooth the introduction of mobile banking, mobile e-money and online shopping by improving safeguards for users’ identities. To register, customers must provide their name, address, date of birth, nationality and gender, with either their national registration card (NRC), driving licence, passport or student card as proof of their identity.