Rumor: China to Launch Mobile Real Name System Sept 1
Southern Metropolitan News, 8/23/10
An industry source claims that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has drafted an internal document on implementing real-name registration for mobile phones. If all goes according to plan, the source says, real-name registration will be implemented nationwide on September 1. The MIIT is currently waiting for other governmental agencies involved to sign off on the plans.
According to a source at China Mobile (NYSE: CHL; 0941.HK), the new plan for real-name registration dictates that operators can only "suggest" (via SMS and other such methods) that existing pre-paid account subscribers fill out their personal information as soon as possible. There is still no effective solution for numbers sold through retail channels; however, it is certain that new prepaid cards will come with requirements that customers register their identities.
Editor's Note: The MIIT has reportedly called for a three-year period of transition to the new system, during which time existing subscribers will be able to register their identification information. Sina Tech also reported that the three major mobile operators have issued notices stating that the mobile real name registration system has begun operating in Beijing and real name registration is required to purchase a new SIM card in operator service halls.
Keywords: wireless regulation China Mobile MIIT CHL real name system 0941.HK
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