Will They Block Your SIMs When You Have Money in It is a common question which roams the mind of almost everyone who uses SIM in Nigeria; some even think incurring massive debt/loan on the SIM’s account will help bar a network operator from blocking such sim. To clear the air and answer this silent puzzle, Schooldrillers has gathered some of the following facts.
The Origin of the SIM
A SIM card, also known as subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM), is an integrated circuit running a card operating system (COS) that is intended to securely store the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephony devices (such as mobile phones and computers). It is also possible to store contact information on many SIM cards. SIM cards are always used on GSM phones; for CDMA phones, they are needed only for LTE-capable handsets. SIM cards can also be used in satellite phones, smart watches, computers, or cameras.
The first SIM card was developed in 1991 by Munich smart-card maker Giesecke & Devrient, who sold the first 300 SIM cards to the Finnish wireless network operator.
Today, SIM cards are ubiquitous, allowing over 7 billion devices to connect to cellular networks around the world. The use of SIM cards is mandatory in GSM devices.
Types of SIM Cards
- Mini-SIM
- Micro-SIM
- Nano-SIM
Will They Block Your Sims When You Have Money in It?
Sims can get blocked even if one has money in it. This goes to mean that having a bulky airtime on one’s SIMs is a reason why SIMs cannot get blocked. Here are some of the ways by which your SIMs can get blocked regardless of whether there is airtime (money) or not:
Entering the Wrong PIN/PUK number
If you enter the wrong SIM card PIN repeatedly, your SIM card will be blocked as an added security measure as this prevents someone from simply typing every possible PIN to access your data if they steal your phone or SIM card. The blockage can occur regardless of the amount of money you have o the phone.
Getting Reported
SIM users may also get blocked whether or not there is money on the phone if such person get reported for crime or any other phishing offence.
Not Registering on NIN
Following the news that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with the support of the Federal Government, has ordered all telecommunication operators in the country to block all SIM cards that are not registered or linked with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), it is therefore possible that all SIMs may be blocked any time soon if no due step is taken by individuals to heed the call. It is therefore a good idea to get one’s SIMs linked.
