Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration became a trending topic on Twitter after Filipinos aired their experiences, frustrations, and struggles while registering their SIMs on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

All new and existing subscribers were mandated to register their SIMs within 180 days beginning Dec. 27 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act. Failure to comply with the said registration will result in the deactivation of a user’s SIM.

Numerous Filipinos are willing to register their SIMS; they, however, became frustrated after facing difficulties, such as glitches and other technical problems, while accessing the registration forms through their respective service providers.

Globe Telecom, one of the leading public telecommunication entities in the country, advised its users to “try again” at a later time, should they encounter difficulties in accessing the site. In an advisory, Smart Communications Inc., likewise notified the public that their technical team is already working on increasing capacity to prevent difficulties in accessing their site amid the influx of registrants.

Behind the 15-day test period of the mandatory SIM card registration

A day before the mandatory SIM registration began, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) disclosed that they are already “anticipating difficulties” within the first few days of the implementation of the measure.

DICT Spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo said the first 15 days of the registration is a “test period.”

“This means that registrations are all valid, but we are already anticipating that there could be some difficulties because this process is new to both subscribers and the PTEs,” said Lamentillo.

By means of this “test period,” Lamentillo stressed that PTEs will be able to assess “what they need to improve on” to make the registration process more efficient and easier for subscribers.

“We request the public for their patience as this process is new to both the subscribers and the PTEs,” said Lamentillo.

On Tuesday morning, DICT also launched its 24/7 complaint center for them to be able to promptly address SIM registration-related concerns and issues.

“We also ask for the public’s cooperation in reporting to the telcos or to the complaint center the difficulties, glitches, or technical issues they experience,” she furthered.