Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy suggested that prepaid SIM card subscribers be allowed to register as many SIM cards under their name online to prevent people from flocking to the offices of their respective public telecommunications entity (PTE).
Uy said this following the signing of Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, on Monday, October 10.
In an interview with reporters after the ceremonial signing in Malacañang, Uy said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) still has to decide on the period for existing prepaid SIM card holders to register their SIM cards as they still need time to prepare. Earlier versions of the law prescribed 180 days.
"I think the prescribed time is still to be set by NTC and the consultation with the telcos they have to prepare. They have to prepare," he said.
"They have to prepare their systems, they have to prepare their people in order to do this," he added.
While the process would be easier for postpaid subscribers since their information is already with the telcos, Uy suggested that prepaid SIM card holders be allowed to register online to avoid long lines in the PTEs' offices.
"One way I’m thinking of approaching it is telcos will just send you a notice to, 'Please go to this site and validate—' you know, put in your validation na kayo ‘yon (that that's you), and then take a picture of your ID, upload it, and then they can verify whether that’s correct or not," he said.
"That way, wala nang mga pila-pila pa sa offices ng Smart or Globe tapos doon pa kayo magfi-fill-out ng form (people won't have to line up in the offices of Smart or Globe and then fill out the form there)," he added.
Uy said those who fail to register their SIM cards should be given a few chances to do it over a period of time before they are cut off.
Under the law, end users are required to provide personal information and valid documentation with a photo to register their SIM cards.
How many SIM cards can you register?
According to Uy, there is "no prohibition" as to how many SIM cards a person can own and register.
"Let’s admit it, ‘no? In some areas, there’s a signal for this telco, there’s no signal for others," he said.
"So long as, even if it’s multiple, so long as it’s identified to you, you can have as many phones and as many SIM cards as registered," he added.
How many SIM cards can a person register under his name? DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy answers. ( MPC pool) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/2wehLWb26y
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) October 10, 2022