5.20m unregistered SIMs deactivated in 18 months: Tarana Halim

Observing that the present government is determined to stop illegal voice over internet protocol (VoIP) business, State Minister for Posts and Telecommunication Tarana Halim on Thursday told parliament that over 5.20 million unregistered SIM cards were deactivated from January 2014 to June 2015. She revealed the information in Parliament delivering her speech on the section 300 of the rules of procedure as Jatiya Party MP Kazi Firoz Rashid demanded government’s steps to stop the illegal VoIP and minister's speech on the section 300 in this regard. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy said they are determined to bring down illegal VoIP to zero level. I think there is no scope for us or anyone of us to retreat from the stance," Tarana Halim said. She said four of the 29 IDW licences were cancelled and two others made inactive as part of the governments’ steps against illegal VoIP trading. Besides, cases were filed against three other licensees to realise arrears, she added, according to a news agency.

-Shuvo-