JEDDAH — Telecommunication companies are unable to reactivate mobile phone services of those subscribers whose lines were disconnected by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) for failing to register their fingerprint biometrics. The subscribers whose mobile phones have been disconnected are queuing up in front of telecom offices to get the services back. "We are unable to reactivate the service due to a technical error. Our system does not allow us to deactivate or reactivate a service," said a telecom employee. The deadline for fingerprint registration for mobile phone subscribers of all service providers in the Kingdom expired on July 20. Mobile phone connections of all types of subscribers, including post-paid and pre-paid ones, who failed to register their fingerprints and update data were disconnected as no more extension of grace period was given. Earlier, CITC had extended the deadline for fingerprint registration for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. However, CITC said subscribers could restore services by authenticating their mobile phone numbers with fingerprint registration within 90 days of disconnection. Subscribers can ensure whether their numbers have been validated by sending text messages to their respective service providers. Text messages can be sent to STC – 900 (9988), Mobily – 616166, Zain – 700123, Virgin Mobile -309985, and Lebara – ID 1755. The CITC's decision was announced last September, but its implementation was delayed because some mobile service providers in the Kingdom required time to obtain fingerprint registration devices from abroad. The decision was based on the Ministry of Interior's request to ensure that the information of SIM cardholders are protected. Muhammad Al-Amoudi, a Saudi national, said he purchased a SIM card before the CITC's deadline. "I purchased my SIM card providing all the information needed at the time. I had to wait for hours in front of the main office of a telecommunication service provider. I should have my service activated as I had paid for it and I provided all the information needed at the time of purchase," said Al-Amoudi. Saeed Ali, a shop owner, said the CITC's decision has affected his business badly. "I am unable to sell any SIM cards for fear that they won't work. I don't want to get into any trouble with customers," said Ali. He said that many customers were buying SIM cards on the black market because these cards do not require customer information.
