DICT records nearly 500 complaints on SIM card registration

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has recorded a total of 481 complaints in relation to the mandatory Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration pursuant to Republic Act No. 11934 also known as the SIM registration Act.

DICT, in hopes of addressing issues regarding the measure promptly, has launched a 24/7 complaint center. In a span of two days, DICT received 481 registration-related complaints according to DICT Spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo.

“The total number of complaints we received is 481. 195 complaints from Smart Communications Inc. subscribers, 121 to Globe Telecom, 83 to Talk N Text, 41 for Dito Telecommunity, 20 to TM, 14 for Sun Cellular, and 7 from GOMO users,” said Lamentillo in a “Laging Handa'' public briefing on Thursday, Dec. 29.

Lamentillo explained that most of the complaints came from senior citizens who are having difficulty with the registration process, while some had difficulty getting into the system.

Despite these registration woes, DICT asked the public to be patient, reiterating that during the 15-day test period, glitches and technical errors may occur as the processes are new to both the subscribers and public telecommunication entities.

“Maasahan natin na mas maayos na ang proseso pagkatapos ng trial period (We can expect that the processes will improve after the trial period),” Lamentillo furthered.

According to Lamentillo, the DICT, together with other government agencies and telcos will also build facilities where individuals with analog cell phones, as well as those living in areas where the internet is weak may register.