CA drafts rules allowing use of foreign SIM cards

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is considering plans allowing for the sale and use of foreign SIM cards in the country.

The move is part of efforts by the UN’s International Telecommunications Union to adopt international numbering and grow the telecommunications sector.

According to the CA, no foreign operator has approached the regulator, but a number of local businesses have expressed interest in selling foreign SIM cards.

Under the regulations for the same, business will need to have an agreement with at least one foreign licensed operator as well as an agreement with a locally licensed operator that will facilitate calls.

“The reason for this is partly because of the passing last year of some new recommendations at the International Telecommunication Union and the interest expressed by some local companies to engage in this business,” CA said in an emailed response.

Communications Authority director General Francis Wangusi in the notice said the regulator may impose other requirements as international numbering grows in the market.

The move is also aimed at taming the misuse of reign SIM cards in the country and will serve as a means of ensuring that all SIM cards are registered.

“Where such international telecommunications numbering resources are assigned, the entity shall be required to register subscribers who are utilizing the international telecommunications numbering resources in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications (Registration of SIM-Cards) Regulations, 2015,” reads part of the draft sale procedures.

The licensed firms will also be required to submit quarterly returns to the regulator.