DICT may extend SIM registration deadline

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is reportedly considering an extension for mobile subscribers to register their SIM cards beyond the April 26 deadline.

DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo confirmed that the agency is deliberating on the matter, adding that they can extend the mandatory SIM registration process for another 120 days.

As of March 12, only 44,298,445 subscribers or 26.22% of the total 168,977,773 subscribers across the country have registered their SIMs.

Smart Communications has the greatest number of SIM registrants with 22,673,630 or 33.35% of its total 67,995,734 subscribers. Globe Telecom Inc. followed with 18,280,107 SIMs registered, representing 20.80% of its 87,873,936 total subscribers. DITO Telecommunity Corp. recorded 3,344,708 SIM registrations, equivalent to 25.52% of its 13,108,103 total subscribers.

The SIM Card Registration Act, signed into law in October 2022, mandates all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) or direct sellers of SIM cards to require users to present a valid identification document with a photo upon purchase.

PTEs must establish their own registration platform and submit a verified list of their authorized dealers and agents across the country to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), along with an updated list every quarter.

End users must immediately report any changes in the information supplied in their registration applications, as well as any instances of stolen SIM cards, as required by the IRR.

In the event of the end user’s death, their immediate family or relatives must report it to the relevant PTEs. The PTEs will then file for activation or deactivation as necessary.

PTEs must also deactivate SIM cards that are used for fraudulent texts or calls after conducting an investigation.

The SIM Card Registration Act grants subscribers 180 days from the law’s effectivity or until April 26, 2023, to register their numbers. However, the DICT has the authority to extend the deadline for another 120 days if it deems necessary.

While that may be a high possibility, the department still urges the public to complete the SIM registration as the deadline approaches.

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in complying with the SIM registration process. With only a few weeks left before the April 26 deadline, we urge unregistered citizens to take the necessary steps to comply and to avoid any inconvenience. We assure you that your safety and security are our top priorities,” said Lamentillo in their latest statement.

Those who have yet to register their SIMs may visit the official links of the telco providers below:

• SMART – smart.com.ph/simreg or simreg.smart.com.ph
• GLOBE – new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• DITO – https://dito.ph/sim-registration

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UPDATE (March 17): Inserted hyperlinks to the official links by telco providers.