The number of registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards in the country has breached 23 million nearly four weeks after the mandatory registration began.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22, said there are now 23,291,433 registered SIM cards in the Philippines as of Jan. 20.
Based on the data provided by public telecommunication entities (PTEs), Smart Communications Inc. recorded a total of 11,716,059 registrants. It was followed by Globe Telecom Inc. with 9,669,285 and Dito Telecommunity with 1,906,089 registered cards so far.
“ continuously remind the public to be vigilant as they complete the registration process. Register only through the official links of PTEs,” said DICT.
The DICT, together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), previously warned against free or paid SIM registration assistance, stressing that private individuals “might take advantage of technically and computer illiterate persons.” For registration-related inquiries, assistance, and other concerns, Filipinos were encouraged to call hotline 1326 instead.
In accordance with the Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, all new and existing subscribers in the country are required to register their SIMs until April 26, 2023. SIM cards that will not be registered until the given period will automatically get deactivated.