Nigerian telecoms firm MTN Nigeria is offering users free minutes of use in exchange for them linking their SIM registration to biometric data.The step comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission said it would fine the telecoms service provider some $3.9 billion (R60 billion) for failing to deactivate 5.2 million unregistered SIMs.A court is yet to deliver a ruling on the case.MTN Nigeria is giving the customers free airtime worth up to NGN 10,000 (US$50), usable only when a full biometrics registration is confirmed by the network.The offer will be available to new users as well as existing subscribers.In August, Novateqni Corporation revealed that it had received a $1 million contract for its biometric enrollment devices from MTN Nigeria.Since 2011, Nigeria's NCC has compelled telcos to register the sim cards of its subscribers-by obtaining biometric information, identity documents, photographs and other information- in an attempt to track and curb criminal activities carried out over mobile networks.
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