Binay to DICT, telcos: Set up SIM reg kiosk for internet-deprived, non-techie mobile users

Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday, December 29 urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the country’s telecommunication companies to set up kiosk for the rollout of the SIM Registration Act to help individuals who have difficulty accessing online portals.

Binay made the call as spurious text messages, suspicious website links and confusion marred the first week of the mandatory SIM registration.

The senator said mobile kiosks in malls, plazas, schools, community centers will both serve as an information booth, and a registration center.

“Confusion brings out all sorts of problems,” Binay pointed out in a statement.

“Siguro, pwede nating tingnan (Maybe we can consider) as a template or operational model during the pandemic ang 'gaya ng Covid vaccination centers sa LGUs (the COVID-19 vaccination centers in local government units),” she said.

“Meaning, isang (having an) offsite venue that would serve as an inquiry/information booth, and at the same time as a registration center that would assist non-techie mobile users, and those without internet access,” the senator suggested.

The lawmaker noted that confusion in the registration, and the unexpected technical glitches have brought out problems on both ends of the registration process.

Though she understands it all as part of birth pains for Telcos, Binay said it would be best for the companies to simplify the registration process and those who are unfamiliar with online transactions.

“Kaya gusto natin na ang DICT, NTC, ang mga telco, PIA, media, at LGUs na mag-collaborate at magkaroon ng sistema tulad ng ginawa sa (That’s why we want the DICT, National Telecommunications Commission, all Telcos, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), media and the LGus to collaborate and create a system similar to the) vaccination drive but modified and adapted for purposes of SIM registration,” the senator pointed out.

The DICT, she said, should also come up with an omnibus and unified nationwide information drive to guide the public about SIM card registration.

Likewise, Binay urged the DICT to provide free internet in offsite registration centers for mobile users who do not have access.