What is RICA?

·         RICA is the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act.

·         RICA is a new law from the South African Government that requires everyone with an active cellphone number to register their new or existing SIM card from 1 July 2009.

·         New SIM cards will only be activated on the cellular networks once RICA registered.

·         Existing cellphone numbers that are already active on the cellular networks must be registered within 18 months from the effective date.

Why must you register?

·         RICA is a legal requirement from the South African Government and all customers with a cellular SIM card belonging to a South African cellular network must comply.

·         This law aims to help law enforcement agencies to identify and track SIM card which are being used for illegal activities.

Which cellphone numbers must be registered?

·         All contract and prepaid cellphone numbers and SIM cards must be registered.

·         New cellphone numbers must be registered in order to have your number activated.

·         Existing cellphone numbers must be registered to ensure that your SIM card does not get disconnected.

Where do you register?

·         You can register at most cellular stores, including Smartcom’s offices in Dunkeld, Johannesburg and Smartcom’s Vodaworld store.

·         Registrations must be done in person and cannot be faxed or emailed.

 

What information and documentation do you need to take with you to register?

·         The following information is required in order to register:

Individuals

• Your cellphone number and last four digits from your SIM card
• Your SA ID book or passport
• Proof of address, e.g. municipal rates account

Businesses

• All cellphone numbers and last four digits from all SIM cards
• A company letter authorising a representative to RICA register on the business’ behalf
• SA ID book or passport of the business representative
• Proof of address, e.g. municipal rates account

How much will it cost you to register?

·         RICA registration is absolutely free!

When must you register?

·         You must register for RICA from 1 July 2009.

·         From this date onwards, all new SIM cards will have to be registered before being activated on a cellular network in South Africa.

·         Customers with existing cellphone numbers that are already active on a South African cellular network will have 18 months from the effective date.

·         Existing SIM cards that are not registered by the end of this period will be disconnected from the cellular network until they are registered.

What is going to be done with your information?

·         All information will be kept confidential in a secure data base and cannot be used for any purpose other than the purposes allowed under the RICA Act.