1.3 million Belgians about to lose mobile phone service

Next week, more than 1.3 million Belgians will suddenly see their mobile phone service cut off for failing to register their prepaid card, report various Belgian newspapers. With the measure, the government hopes to put an end to the use of anonymous SIM cards in the fight against terrorism.

From 7 June, all phone cards must be registered under the user's name. The telephone operators will at the same time block all anonymous SIM cards. The customers have received multiple notices about the change in the last few months.

Yet one in three customers has not yet registered, says telecoms minister Alexander De Croo. While some members of parliament believe that the minister should give the customers more time, De Croo disagrees. "This measure has been known for a long time," he says, adding that "there is no reason to panic. It's not as if 1,3 million Belgians will lose their mobile number. I think many people just wait until the last minute to register their number."

There are several ways to register a mobile number with a prepaid card, including via the operator's shop, online through the operator's website or by recharging at a cash point.