Four weeks after the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration commenced, the national government admitted that connectivity and the lack of valid identification cards are still the topmost challenges that hinder the public in complying with the mandatory registration.
In a palace briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy admitted that accessibility, especially in remote areas, is still the major challenge in SIM registration.
“arami mga kababayan natin may mobile phones pero walang mga signals, walang mga Wi-Fi connection, at dapat mag biyahe pa sila from their islands or from their communities to the munisipyo para makakuha ng signal para makapag parehistro (Many Filipinos have mobile phones but have no signals, no Wi-Fi connections, and some need to travel from their islands or from their communities to the municipality to get a signal in order to register),” said Uy.
To address this issue, the DICT, together with the public telecommunication entities (PTEs) and other government agencies, will mount assisted SIM registration booths in selected remote areas in the Philippines beginning Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Areas that will benefit from the said initiative on Wednesday include Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Moalboal, Cebu; Palo, Leyte; Pangantucan, Bukidnon; and Malalag, Davao del Sur.
“e’re addressing that now by deploying those connectivity. We’re bringing our satellite systems and all those so they have connectivity in those areas.,” he added in Filipino.
The pilot assisted SIM registration will run until Jan. 27.
Lack of identification cards
Apart from weak to no internet connection, the lack of valid identification cards to present remains a challenge for many Filipinos.
“arami tayong mga kababayan na walang ID lalo na sa mga liblib ang lugar po ‘no. So, how will they now be able to register and validate their identity? (There are many Filipinos who do not have ID, especially in remote areas. So, how will they be able to register and validate their identity?),” said Uy.
Asked how this matter will be resolved, Uy said the department is aiming to bring and mount National ID system one-stop-shops in areas where assisted SIM registration will also be established.
“ we shooting two birds with one stone, right? The deployment will be easier. is one of the solutions that we are to package,” he explained.