TRA limits sale of SIM cards

Manama : Starting Wednesday, SIM cards can be purchased only through operators’ outlets and their resellers who obtain a formal approval from Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the new regulation states. 

The new norms which is effective starting July 12, 2017 also state that a two step verfication process is mandatory for SIM card users, which requires applicant’s identification or passport and biometric scan. 

Additionally, TRA has introduced a ceiling for the number of pre-paid SIM cards consumers may acquire. This has been set at 10 pre-paid SIM-cards as a maximum from each licensed mobile operators (Batelco, Zain, Viva); as such a total of 30 pre-paid SIM-cards per person can be obtained.

This is as per the SIM-Card Enabled Telecommunications Services Registration Regulation which was published by TRA on the 31st of December 2015.

As of July 12, 2017 Service providers in the Kingdom of Bahrain have begun to implement the provisions of this regulation.

TRA also reminds users about the importance of controlling the cards registered under their names and not leaving them at the disposal of others. Misuse of a SIM card registered under the consumer’s name by another person may expose the consumer to financial obligations or legal accountability.

For more information, the regulation can be viewed on the TRA’s website under the Regulations Section.