All cellular phone sim cards will have to be registered with cellular providers as from Wednesday but government has insisted that it is not trying to spy on users.

The regulation of the Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act came into effect on Wednesday.

The permits authorities to intercept cellphone calls and records if there is reason to believe a crime has been committed or is being planned.

Mobile phone subscribers have 18 months in which to give service providers their personal information. However, Minister Jeff Radebe has assured the public the information will not be abused

"What we are dealing with are exceptions to the prohibition to deal with criminals who use cellular phones, to plan and execute crime," commented the minister.

Cell C's, Leona Mentz maintains that all subscribers' information will be safe: "The information must be kept in a secure data base. The information may only be accessed by designated personnel."

Meanwhile, Vodacom's Dot Field explained that the company will embark on an extensive campaign to register customers' details.

She said, "The Vodacom network will be carry out a very aggressive campaign to all our subscribers, particularly using sms, voicemail and all other mechanisms at our disposal."

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