Calls, SMS blocked for mobile users yet to record fingerprints

This still image from a video posted on YouTube shows a salesperson preparing to take the fingerprint of a customer who bought a SIM card.

RIYADH: Mobile phone subscribers who have not provided the details (fingerprints) required by service providers will not be able to make calls or send SMS for two weeks, starting Thursday.
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) had advised all mobile users to give their fingerprints and other details to mobile companies to regularize their services.
Those who failed will see their services suspended, for the time being. The suspension applies to post-paid and pre-paid calls and for data services. It does not apply to land phones.
The CITC said services would be fully disconnected if the subscriber fails to submit the required documentation within a fortnight.
However, there would be a grace period of 90 days from the disconnection date, for subscribers to re-connect to the services.
Cellphone users can check the validity of their documentation by sending an SMS to their service providers through special numbers.
STC subscribers can send a text message to 900 with 9988; Mobily subscribers to 616 166; Zain subscribers to 700 123; Virgin Mobile subscribers to 309 985; and Lebara subscribers can send their ID number to 1755.