Airtel Zambia introduces online SIM registration 8 days before deadline
When deadlines approach it is almost natural to enter into panic mode. I assume this is what Airtel is experiencing as they finally launch an online SIM registration process. One might rush to say that it is a little too late to introduce the self-registration with only 8 days left before the deadline. However, we have to give them credit for attempting an online mass mobilisation for registering sim cards in Zambia. Even those who are abroad can utilize this service in order to keep their cell phone numbers. Of course we can’t forget that they are also trying to cater for those who can’t make it to physically register with an agent. With the festive season upon us, the bottom line is that everybody is just busy.
It is great to see telecommunication companies like Airtel Zambia advancing online services like self-registration in our country. In all honesty, paper applications have become archaic in this digital age and it is high time that we caught up with more online services to be offered. Realistically speaking we still have a long way to go but this is a good start albeit very delayed. The step-by-step instructions can be found on Airtel Zambia’s Facebook page and the link to register is here. Perhaps it would even be more effective to see this initiative posted on the ZICTA website.
In a nutshell, the process is easy enough to follow except that you need a printer and scanner in order to successfully submit the required documents. Considering that these electronics are not readily available in an average home, I assume that this service is being targeted to white collar professionals.
On the other hand, we have not caught wind of such initiatives by MTN Zambia or Zamtel. Interestingly, MTN Zambia currently has some campaigns where the most important condition to qualify is that your MTN sim card must be registered. This goes for the K1 Meeta giveaway and the Mwauka Bwanji Zambia campaign. In comparison, things are quiet on the Zamtel front as they continue to routinely urge their customers to register before December 31, 2013.
