PRESS: Russia can toughen SIM cards sales amid terroristic threats

MOSCOW, Nov 25 (PRIME) -- Russia can toughen control over sales of SIM cards amid terroristic threats, including a limit for contracts signed by cellular operators with foreigners and vesting the communications authority with a right to check points of SIM cards sales, business daily Kommersant reported Wednesday, citing several sources.

After a meeting held by an interdepartmental commission against extremism, the communications ministry was ordered to tighten responsibility for SIM cards sales, and change the procedure of their receipt, a source told the daily.

The commission suggests elaborating amendments to limit SIM cards contracts for foreigners by the period of their stay in the country and prolong them on the basis of documents extending their permit of residence.

The authority also suggested that the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media have the right to check firms and businessmen who fail to submit information on buyers of connection services and make test purchases of SIM cards.

A source at the Interior Ministry said that the ministry was not behind the initiatives. “We are waiting for the communications ministry to prepare proposals; no decisions have been made,” the source said.

A source at a mobile operator said that these measures were discussed amid terroristic threats.

Russia has banned SIM cards sales without contracts since January 1, 2014. Perpetrators are fined with up to 5,000 rubles for individuals and to 200,000 rubles for firms. According to ACM Consulting, more than 100 million SIM cards are sold in the country a year.

A source said that the gray market of SIM cards amounts to 1.5–2 million units per month. “By reports, they have a status of active cards, but in reality these subscribers account for less than 5%,” the source said.

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