MTN blames lengthy SIM registration queues on Kelni GVG app delays

The telecom giant attributes this bottleneck to the sluggish performance of the Kelni GVG app, mandated by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for biometric data collection during SIM registration.

Speaking at a virtual forum, Samuel Bartels, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at MTN Ghana, explained that the app's tardiness in processing bio data has resulted in significant delays, leading to frustrated customers and concerns about failing to meet the impending deadline.

Ghanaians, grappling with the necessity to update their SIM cards, question the redundancy of collecting biometric data when the National Identification Authority (NIA) already possesses comprehensive records stored on the Ghana Card. Bartels clarified that telecom companies are simply following NCA directives, emphasizing that the data collected serves the state, not the telcos.

Despite the NCA's directive that the app should complete a registration within five minutes, Bartels revealed that the process often extends to 15 minutes or more, contributing to the growing queues. Moreover, the app's limited compatibility with handheld devices poses a significant challenge for MTN and other telcos, hindering the recruitment of agents nationwide.

Bartels acknowledged these hurdles, emphasizing the company's commitment to various strategies, including on-request visits to institutions, markets, and special events to expedite the registration process. However, he underscored the need for a regulatory review to address the practical challenges faced by telcos and streamline the registration process for the benefit of the public.

As Ghanaians grapple with the complexities of SIM registration, the spotlight now turns to the NCA's response and potential adjustments to ensure a smoother, more efficient process as the March 31 deadline looms.