The number of mobile phone users in Tunisia reached approximately sixteen (16) million, or about 130% of the population, according to data from May 2024. During a press conference held on August 9, 2024, Minister of Communication Technologies Nizar Kheishef Ben Neji also said that more than ten million Tunisians use their phones to connect to the Internet, or 91.1% of the population.
25,000 SIM cards are sold daily in Tunisia, indicating a continuous demand for phone services. However, this rapid growth in phone and internet services has led to an increase in cybercrime and financial fraud, despite the existence of a legal framework to regulate the sale of chips.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Communication Technologies and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (INT) have taken measures to protect users. These measures include updating user data, immediately suspending lines whose owners are unknown, and requiring proof of identity when purchasing a new SIM card.
The Minister also raised specific issues, such as the use of deceased SIM cards, failure to report loss of SIM cards, and failure to port landline numbers. In response, instructions were issued to end the irregular sale of SIM cards on the streets and in public markets, encourage the switch to e-SIM cards, and improve services related to telephone number management, such as 186CIN number allowing you to check the numbers associated with each ID card.
