Changes to the telecommunications law, pre-paid phone users to be identified

At the end of May amendments to the telecommunication law will be presented to parliament. Even if the government uses its parliamentary majority to vote it through, the regulations will only be in force until mid 2003 when European Union (EU) laws would override them. The amendments will introduce far-reaching changes, such as the possibility of retaining one's phone number regardless of where one moves. According to the amendment those who will want to buy pre-paid mobile phone cards would have to show their identity card as the State Security Office (UOP) and various ministries have been pressing for regulations to help identify users of pre-paid phones, as these are often used by criminals trying to hide their activities. The changes will also give customers greater choice in choosing phone operators with the use of a dialing prefix. (Puls Biznesu, VI b&t) K.S.