Many citizens attribute the spread of black market for mobile SIM cards to illegal distributors who sell them at below-market prices. Authorities task telecommunication companies with the responsibility of ensuring distributors of mobile SIM cards are licensed and operating in accordance with the Kingdom's laws. However, due to the lure of high profits, illegal vendors easily gain access to SIM cards and feed a thriving underground market. An illegal vendor of mobile SIM cards spoke to Al-Madinah newspaper on condition of anonymity and revealed that he buys the SIM cards through unaccredited distributors for rates ranging between SR7 and SR15 per card. Then, depending on the card's value, he sells them for SR20-SR35. “The buyer does not need to provide any proof of identity when buying these SIM cards and the phone number cannot be traced to him. However, he can go to the respective mobile phone operator, show his ID and register the number under his name.” Another illegal vendor who referred to himself as Abu Atif said many SIM cards are sold for SR10 but they do not last long as they are seasonal and linked to Hajj and Umrah seasons. Yet despite their short validity, they are very popular. “Many clients prefer to buy these SIM cards as they expire after a few weeks. They are probably a source of disturbance for many families as young guys buy them to annoy people with prank calls and anonymous text messages,” said Abu Atif. Nayef Al-Bargi, a citizen, said that even though selling SIM cards without obtaining proof of identity is illegal, the practice is widespread. He called on authorities to do more. “I am not sure whether telecommunication companies actually want to do something to reduce the circulation of these illegal SIM cards. It seems many are simply looking to make a profit without considering the inconvenience they cause to many people. For the safety of everyone, the relevant authorities need to do more to force companies to adhere to the law.”
