The telecom industry of Pakistan has adopted the Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS), an advanced version of the biometric verification system to prevent the sale of fake SIM cards.
A contract signing ceremony between NADRA and mobile operators (CMOs) took place at the headquarters of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) after a smooth transition to the new BVS.
Press Release: Telecom industry has started issuing SIMs through an enhanced version of Biometric Verification System (BVS) called Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (#MBVS). pic.twitter.com/HFqDFkPEvk
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) December 23, 2022
Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) is used by telecom companies to verify users' identity before issuing a new SIM card. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the BVS units available in sales channels have been updated to meet the requirements of the new system by NADRA and CMOs.
Control over the selection of fingers for authentication purposes is shifted from the vendor to the system representative, who randomly requests two different fingerprints. The introduction of the new system makes illegal use of fake fingerprints impossible.
While praising the tireless efforts of CMOs and NADRA, the PTA chief said the new MBVS system will be a catalyst to check the sale of illegally issued SIM cards.
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Telecom industry has started issuing SIMs through an enhanced version of Biometric Verification System (BVS) called Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS). This was stated in a ceremony held at PTA Headquarters for signing of the contract between NADRA and Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOS) after smooth transition to the new BVS.
The BVS devices available at sale channels have been upgraded to meet the requirements of the new system through NADRA and CMOs. The new system requires impressions of multiple fingers for authentication and applicant antecedents while issuing new or duplicate SIM.
Moreover, the control for choice of fingers for verification purposes has been shifted from the seller representative to the system which asks for two different fingers' impressions randomly. The implementation of new system will make the illegal use of fake fingerprints impossible.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chairman PTA, Maj. General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R), Chairman NADRA, Mr. Muhammad Tariq Malik; Member (Compliance & Enforcement) PTA Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar; Additional Director General FIA and representatives from CMOs.
Chairman PTA, while lauding the untiring efforts of CMOs and NADRA in the upgradation of MBVS, said that the new system will be a catalyst in controlling the sales of SIMs issued illegally.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman NADRA stated that MBVS has the immense potential to keep fraudsters and scammers away. He said MBV5 is a smart solution which uses an indigenous smart algorithm where choice of finger is proposed by the system rather than prefixed finger positions.
"The MBVS will not only eliminate silicon-based fingerprints used for issuance of mobile phone SIMs but also will hamper the attempts to purchase illegal SIMs. The new system will combat fake SIM issuance, ID fraud, protect privacy and strengthen national security of Pakistan", he added.
MBVS has been made possible due to strenuous and continued efforts of the teams from PTA, NADRA and CMOs. It is pertinent to mention that BVS was implemented in 2014 in order to offer secure online biometric verification for each SIM related transaction as well as assigning Unique Sale ID and logging of each transaction so that the person responsible for misuse is identifiable.
However, to further enhance the system and counter problems regarding SIMs issued using illegal means, MBVS has been introduced.
