As Tanzania's biometric SIM-registration deadline approached at the end of 2019, long queues formed at National Identification Authority offices. The Citizen reported congestion in several areas and described Boniface Johannes arriving at 4:30 a.m. to wait. The national identification number was needed not only for phone registration but also for procedures such as travel.
What distinguishes this queue is the chain created by one delayed identifier across communications and other public services. A SIM deadline appeared to concern mobile operators, but in practice it tested the issuing authority's capacity from before dawn.