British mobile phone network blocks Digital Mobile Key activation SMS | Emigrants

One of the largest British mobile phone operators has not transmitted text messages that allow the activation of the Digital Mobile Key (CMD) for several months, affecting consulate users.

The consul general in London, Luís Leandro da Silva, confirmed to the Lusa agency that there are “specific difficulties” with the EE network, which recently merged with British Telecom, and with the respective virtual mobile operators. At issue is the receipt by Portuguese residents in the United Kingdom of confirmation codes that allow the activation of the Digital Mobile Key in the respective mobile application. “Let’s hope that the situation can be overcome in the shortest possible time,” he said, although he doesn’t know when.

The diplomat confirmed that the difficulty “is limited” to EE/BT and possibly to operators that use the same network, such as 1pMobile, Lycamobile or Utility Warehouse. “This universe of British Telecom and its associates currently has this limitation in relation to the Digital Mobile Key,” he said. The consul stated that “other possibilities to overcome this situation through another technical solution” are being considered.

Since mid-2023, the British operator has stopped accepting messages from foreign mobile numbers sent in large quantities to combat fraudulent activity.

CMD is a means of authentication and digital signature certified by the Portuguese State that allows you to access and perform services online of public and private entities, such as banking, telecommunications, energy, health, tourism, among others. Furthermore, it is also possible to sign documents digitally, or have identification documents on your cell phone.

The failure is a setback for the consulate general of Portugal in London, which has been promoting adherence to consular services via the Internet, and for which the use of the Digital Mobile Key is essential. It is currently possible to request remotely, using CMD, the renewal of the Citizen Card, change of address or the issuance of a birth certificate.

The Digital Mobile Key is also a privileged way to make in-person appointments on the scheduling platform online, where the Consulate General of London makes 40 to 50 places available daily exclusively for those who access the CMD. Leandro da Silva said that tens of thousands of consulate users already use this modality.