The South Sudanese Minister of Telecommunication Madut Biar. [Gurtong/ Waakhe Simon Wudu]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 12 May 2012 [Gurtong] – The South Sudanese Minister of Telecommunication Madut Biar yesterday cautioned telecommunication companies over the use of foreign codes instead of the country’s code +211.
He said that despite an earlier warning, two companies, Zain and Vivacell have continued to flout the regulations spelt out by the government.
“These two companies have been using the Sudan code +249 and Uganda’s +256. If they do not comply, the government will shut down their networks”, said Biar.
He called upon the citizens to co-operate with the government in efforts to end the use of the foreign codes in the country.
“If there is anyone still calling you with the +249 code please inform us since your communication can be accessed by Sudan. Moreover, we are concerned all the money you use as you communicate goes to Sudan not to the Republic of South Sudan,” he said.
Upon attaining its independence last July, South Sudan acquired her country code +211 and banned the use of the Sudan code number +249 three months into independence.