If you have just ordered your brand new SIM from us, chances are you’ve heard about eRICA. While it might sound like a technical term, it’s a game-changer for your SIM card. Say goodbye to meeting the courier at your door for your SIM card and the hassle of printing all your documents before they arrive. With eRica, the process is completely seamless and entirely paperless. In this blog, we’ll walk you through eRICA and how it can get your SIM sorted in no time.

What is RICA?

A quick refresher for those who might be wondering: RICA stands for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act. In other words, it’s a law that has to be followed in South Africa by all mobile phone users. The law requires all SIM cards to be RICA’d. The idea behind it all is to help law enforcement agencies track down criminals who use cell phones. As your service provider, we are legally obliged to RICA all SIM cards before we can deliver them to our valued clients.

The “Old Way” vs. The “eRICA Way”

In the past, RICAing your SIM involved filling out forms and giving them to your courier. While it might have taken a bit of time for your SIM to arrive, we’ve now entered the new age and made it all totally paperless. Once your order has been placed, we’ll request your documents online through ClientZone or the Afrihost AirMobile App. Remember, orders that require RICA won’t be packed or shipped until your documents are uploaded. To avoid any delays in your SIM arriving at your doorstep, please upload your documents as soon as your order has been made.

What kind of documents do I need for eRICA?

In order to complete your eRICA process, we need you to upload three documents. These are:

1. Valid ID or passport

• SA citizens: Green ID book or Smart ID card.

• Foreign nationals: Passport and supporting documents

2. Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)

• Examples: Bank statement, municipal bill, cellphone or retail statement.

3. Selfie with your ID

• Your face and ID must both be clearly visible (use good lighting).

What happens after you complete your order?

• We verify your documents with our team.

• Once your verification is done, your order will be prepared and shipped.

• You do not need to sign complicated forms or produce photocopies when your SIM is delivered.

• You will receive your SIM from our courier.

The advantages

• If you need another RICA order in future, you will not need to re-upload your documents.

• This will save you time in the future for your next SIM upgrade or new SIM request for a family member or additional lines for your business or organisation.

eRICA streamlines the connection process, making it quicker, easier, and entirely paperless. You can avoid unnecessary delays and get your SIM delivered and activated without the back and forth of traditional RICA, which required physically sending your documents in advance. It all comes down to efficiency, ease of connection, and convenience.

Make sure to complete your eRICA as soon as possible if you're ordering your SIM so that we can move things along on our end. Please feel free to contact us via our social media accounts or leave a comment below if you have any queries or feedback, we would be delighted to hear from you.