NTRA Refers Egypt’s Four Mobile Operators to Public Prosecution Over Unauthorized SIM Registrations
Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has referred the country’s four mobile network operators to the Public Prosecution over complaints involving mobile lines registered under users’ personal data without their knowledge or possession, escalating regulatory action following an investigation into the cases.
The move follows complaints received over the past two days and subsequent inspection and verification procedures carried out by NTRA. The regulator said it had compiled the evidence, supporting documents and information related to the reported incidents before referring the matter for investigation.
The decision marks a significant escalation after concerns emerged among mobile users who discovered, through checks on their registered numbers, SIM cards linked to their identities that they said they neither owned nor used.
NTRA said the referral forms part of its efforts to protect telecom users and their personal data while enforcing the rules governing the sale, registration and activation of mobile lines in Egypt.
New SIM Registrations for Companies and Government Entities Suspended
Alongside the legal action, NTRA introduced a package of immediate regulatory measures following meetings with the four mobile operators, aimed at tightening SIM registration procedures and ensuring that every mobile line is linked to its actual holder.
Under the new measures, operators must suspend the sale or activation of new mobile lines through corporate systems for companies and institutions, covering both private-sector organizations and government entities and authorities.
NTRA has also instructed operators to contact users of existing lines registered through corporate systems and require them to visit operator branches to sign new contracts under the names of the individuals who actually possess the SIM cards.
Lines will be permanently disconnected if their holders fail to complete the required contracting procedures within the specified deadline.
Biometric Verification Coming to Mobile Operator Apps
The regulator is also accelerating plans to introduce biometric identity verification through mobile operators’ applications, adding another layer of authentication to the SIM registration process.
The planned system is intended to provide a more secure way of confirming a subscriber’s identity and help users take action against any mobile number found to be registered in their name without being under their control.
The measure could represent a significant shift in Egypt’s SIM registration framework, moving identity verification beyond conventional documentation toward digital authentication.
Operators Face Possible Suspension of New SIM Sales
NTRA warned that it will take legal and administrative action against any operator that fails to comply with the regulatory requirements governing SIM sales, registration and activation.
Potential penalties could extend to suspending an operator’s ability to sell and activate new mobile lines, in addition to referring violations to the Public Prosecution where necessary.
The regulator said it will closely monitor implementation of the new measures across all four operators, stressing that protecting subscribers’ personal data and ensuring the integrity of mobile-line registration remain key priorities.
The latest action represents one of the strongest regulatory responses to SIM registration irregularities in Egypt, combining a criminal investigation with immediate changes to the way corporate mobile lines are issued and verified.