FG Introduces New Policy for Deactivating Dormant SIM Cards…The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has released a new set of guidelines that will allow telecommunications operators to deactivate SIM cards that remain inactive over a certain period.
This new directive is designed to ensure more efficient use of mobile numbers, address the scarcity of available lines, and improve the overall quality of service in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
According to the NCC, a SIM card will now be classified as “dormant” if it has not been used for any revenue-generating activity for six consecutive months.
These activities include making or receiving calls, sending text messages, or using data.
If the line remains unused for another six months after this initial period, the telecom provider will be permitted to deactivate the number entirely, effectively removing it from the network’s active database.
In total, this policy allows a 12-month window of inactivity before deactivation becomes applicable.
The Commission explained that SIM cards are considered national resources, and their availability and proper management are crucial to the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.
The growing demand for mobile lines, particularly with the expansion of digital services, has made it necessary to recycle numbers that are no longer in use.
By deactivating dormant lines, telecom operators can reassign those numbers to new users who need them, helping to optimize resources within the system.
However, the NCC has introduced several provisions to ensure subscribers are not caught off guard.
One of these is the option for “line parking,” which allows users who anticipate a long period of non-use—such as traveling abroad or serving in remote areas without service—to formally request that their number be reserved for future use.
This request must be made through their network provider, and if approved, the line will be excluded from the deactivation list during the period of inactivity.
The Commission also emphasized that lines affected by technical or network issues will not be penalized under the new rules, provided users promptly report such problems to their service provider.
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This clause ensures that subscribers are not unfairly disconnected due to issues beyond their control.
To support transparency and minimize disruption, the NCC has mandated all telecom providers to put systems in place to inform subscribers about the status of their lines.
This includes sending timely notifications if a line is nearing the dormancy threshold and offering clear instructions on how to prevent deactivation.
Service providers are also expected to provide a straightforward process for recovering numbers that have been deactivated, although this will be subject to availability.
These guidelines are part of broader efforts by the NCC to strengthen Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and ensure more responsible and effective management of telecom assets.
The Commission believes that by discouraging hoarding of lines and promoting active usage, the industry can function more efficiently and provide better services to the growing population.
The new rules have been met with mixed reactions. While some subscribers support the move, noting that it will reduce congestion and improve access to new lines, others have raised concerns about the potential for losing important numbers, especially among low-income users who may not be able to afford regular top-ups or consistent phone usage.
The NCC has responded to these concerns by assuring the public that the implementation will be handled with fairness and that every effort will be made to ensure that users are well-informed ahead of any deactivation.
Subscribers are advised to stay proactive in monitoring their SIM activity, make occasional calls or send texts to maintain their lines, and contact their network provider if they expect any prolonged period of non-use.
For more detailed information, users can consult their service providers or visit the official NCC website for guidance.
With these new measures, the NCC is sending a clear message: every SIM card must serve a purpose, and inactive lines will no longer remain dormant indefinitely in an environment where mobile resources are increasingly in demand.
