Sure Mobile is encouraging users to register their mobile phone number after a teacher in the Isle of Man called for action to stop people making malicious calls via their mobile phone.

Andrew Shipley, the local representative of teaching union ATL, believes there should be more control over SIM card ownership and that people should give their name and address at the time of acquisition. Mr. Shipley himself received many calls of an explicit nature, all during the early hours of the morning.

Sure Mobile states “It's certainly disappointing to hear that some people are using mobile phones for malicious purposes and to make prank calls and we understand how upsetting this can be to users. we're working actively with the police to help them with their investigations where the misuse of mobiles is concerned and are helping identify offenders, if they've registered their mobile number.”

Unfortunately, in the Pay as you Go market the speed of service means that most SIM cards, and thus numbers aren't registered.  Therefore, unless someone has actively promoted this number, either in a directory or listings, the offender cannot be tracked or found.

Sure suggests mobile phone users register their mobile phones as this also provides the added advantage for customers in that they can top up their phone online as well as track their phone if lost.