DICT encourages public to register SIM cards early

For a “more convenient process,” away from tight deadlines, the public was urged by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to register their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards early.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, all new and existing SIM users are required to register their SIMs within 180 days beginning Dec. 27. Failure to comply with the said registration will result in the deactivation of a user’s SIM.

“The law aims to regulate the issuance and use of SIMs, which are essential in operating mobile devices like mobile phones and pocket WiFis. This is expected to suppress the spread of text scams and spams using mobile devices,” said DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy in an official statement on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Days after the registration began, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) reported that a total of 11,219,722 SIMs have been registered so far. Smart Communications Inc. has recorded 5,172,051 registrants – the highest among the top three leading public telecommunication entities in the Philippines.

It was followed by Globe Telecom Inc. with 5,030,649 and Dito Telecommunity Corporation with 1,017,012 registered SIMs as of Jan. 2.

Although mobile users still have over 100 days to comply with the said registration, the DICT encouraged them to do it early to avoid inconvenience due to the tight deadline implemented.

DICT also reassured Filipinos that all data that will be given to the PTEs are safe and secured.

“We are optimistic through our vigilant enforcement of the provisions of the SIM Registration Act and with the faithful compliance of the private sector, we can ensure the safety of our citizenry, and aid our efforts in pushing for a digital Philippines,” said Uy.