Network providers like MTN, GLO, Airtel and 9mobile prefer to recycle SIM cards. This is because they don’t want to pay tax on idle or unused SIM cards in a specific period of time. This is mandated by the Nigerian communications commission (NCC). With over 200 million people in Nigeria, the demand to communicate with loved ones is high. Both far and near, phone calling is a basic necessity.
Brief History of When We Started Using SIM cards in Nigeria
When GSM came into Nigeria in the early 2000 it gave MTN the opportunity to break into the market. The first set of SIM cards being sold in the market ranged from 0803 and later 0806. GLO later came into the telecommunications market with 0805 and 0807. Fast forward to now, SIM cards are still being sold very well in the market because of the demand for calling and browsing. The growing population of the young ones coming of age every day in Nigeria too is high.
Why Recycle The SIM Cards?
The need for recycling of SIM cards comes because of several reasons. One of which is death of customers.
When a customer dies it is assumed that his or her lines will no longer be serviced with calls, airtime, data, browsing etc. And hence the need to block the line and recycle it. The second reason is because of people that have many SIM cards. The luxury of many phone numbers and being unable to use all of them at once.
The third reason is because network providers spend far less money to recycle an existing number than to generate afresh.
Fourth reason is because NCC charges network providers tax on every sim in circulation. network providers wouldn’t want to be paying tax on an idle sim that they’re not profiting from.
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How To Know If You Are Using Recycled SIM Cards
Once your SIM cards are old formats of phone numbers especially the ones from early 2000 just know you’re using a recycled SIM cards. The formats like 0803, 0806, 0703, 0706, 0805, 0807, 0705, 0707, 0813, 0816 are all old formats. If they’re seen in the market for sale, they are recycled SIM cards.
How Long Does It Take for SIM Cards to Be Blocked and Recycled?
An unused SIM cards between 5 months to 12months are often recycled by network providers.
How Much is SIM Card Sold in The Market Now?
At the moment, SIM cards are sold between 1,000 naira to 2,000 in the Nigerian market.
The prices are not exactly fixed, depending on the vendor you’re buying from.
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Takeaway
Recycled SIM cards are not in any way beneficial to the current user given that you do not have the slightest idea of who had used the SIM card before you purchased it. While there’s no serious security threat associated with using a recycled SIM card, acquaintances of the former owner of the SIM card could still be trying to reach out to him or her. To ensure your safety, don’t divulge sensitive information to any caller whose identity you don’t know.
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