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Jul. 25, 2007

Ireland's wireless operators are meeting with the Department of Communications today to argue against plans to introduce a mandatory registration of all mobile phones, especially prepaid phones.

They say the plan is "unworkable," arguing that SIM cards can be purchased abroad and used in Ireland, thus ensuring user anonymity.

For its part, the government is evaluating the plan as an option in its fight against crime.

"If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear...

There may well be confidentiality or civil liberties issues but there are lives of people at stake as well, which I believe overrides any of those," said Pat Carey, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in an interview with the Irish Independent.

The plan aims to stop the current practice of anonymous prepaid phones, which are heavily used in prisons to continue illegal activities as well as among drug dealers.

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Source: Wireless Week