We are living in a time where getting a new SIM card, replacing or swapping one is a strenuous process. Uganda Communications Commission suspended issuance of new SIM cards until further notice and also promulgated tough conditions under which telecom companies should swap or replace a customer’s SIM card in case of loss or damage.
To replace a SIM card, UCC listed the conditions as; Production of a valid Police Report, Presentation of a letter from NIRA verifying and validating that a SIM card holder’s National Identity Card is authentic, Re-registration of the applicant for a SIM card by the telecommunications operator using bio-metrics and a photograph, Issuance of fresh SIM card registration form and Ensuring that the SIM card holder shall be using the SIM card in a genuine type approved device.
It’s obviously not an easy task anymore getting your SIM card replaced or swapped with the above tough conditions. So you need to take care of your SIM card to reduce the chances of needing to replace it. You may know how to take care of your smartphone, you may even have skills to take care of your battery to preserve juice– but do you know how to take care of your SIM card?
The SIM card is probably the most ignored part of your phone. The only time you think about it is when you cannot place or receive calls or SMS. That’s when the panic buttons are hit and you realize how futile your very expensive handset is without this little buddy.
This is how to take care of your SIM card.
1. Reduce the number of times you pull it in and out of the phone.
You may have one SIM card that you are using in all your other devices like modems, MiFis, Tablets among others. This is very wrong especially these days when replacing a SIM card requires unprecedented effort. Everytime you remove and put in the SIM card, there is a certain level of friction that causes wear and consequential damage to your SIM card in a long run. Make sure you use another “expendable” SIM card in your other devices. Luckily most of the modems and MiFis are bought with SIM cards included. Keep your precious SIM card firm in a single phone to prevent wear and tear. Only switch it to another device when it’s the only option, but don’t over do it.
2. Keep your SIM cards when making repairs.
When you want to have your phone checked out by the mechanic, I advise you to keep your SIM cards somewhere safe and not leaving them in the phone for any reason. You shouldn’t trust another person with your SIM cards, especially a repairs guy. If he misplaces the SIM cards, the trouble of replacing comes back to you. You’ll have to go through all the above conditions set out by the regulator, and the mechanic will be okay doing his next job. So don’t be lazy, take the high road and remove the SIM cards before you take your device for repair.
3. Don’t cut your SIM card.
The most recent flagships and middle range smartphones support micro and nano SIM cards. You maybe shifting from an older phone that supported the mini sim and hence tempted to tailor your SIM card with a razor blade to fit the new phone. This is completely wrong because you can easily damage your SIM card and render it useless. There are machines that can cut out the size you want without damaging your SIM card. If your SIM card isn’t factory cut into micro and nano sizes, you will need to visit a phone store that has a cutter or your telecom’s customer care centre for help.
4. Take care when removing your SIM card from the phone.
Different phones have different mechanisms of ejecting SIM cards. Some are easier and more straight forward than others. Some feature phones have difficult ways of removing SIM cards. If you are not well versed on how to remove a SIM card in a particular phone, don’t use force to put it out as you can damage it. Read the phone’s manual or consult someone who may know how to remove the SIM card. Power is nothing without control.
5. Keep the SIM card in a safe place when it’s out of the phone.
SIM cards are delicate to some extent. They may easily bend or break when too much pressure is exerted on them. Don’t keep the SIM cards in your pocket or couch when you put them out of the phone. You could end up sitting on them and once they break, the above conditions from UCC await. You really don’t want to go through that.
Sometimes the most important things are those that are ignored. SIM cards may be ignored but you will discover how mighty they make your phone when you have lost or damaged them yet you could have avoided it. So this is how to take care of your SIM card. Good luck keeping your SIM card healthy for longer periods if you follow the above advice.
