Image Credit: PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES via Business World
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) reminded the public anew on Jan. 16 that they only have until April 26, 2023, to register their SIMs.
The government agencies reiterated that the set deadline is based on the law and no movement was made, despite what is being claimed by some digital advocates.
According to DICT's post, the rule is in line with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11934, or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, which states that "All existing SIMs subscribers shall register the same with their respective PTEs within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act."
However, the official platforms for the different telcos only officially started accepting registrations on Dec. 27, which some groups insist should be the basis for the start of the 180-day registration window, which supposedly runs until June 25, 2023.
"The government is still unable to address the registration woes of subscribers without smart gadgets and internet connection. Reports gathered from far-flung areas and depressed urban centers say that many are yet to register because of technological limitations," Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said, concerned about the April deadline.
Meanwhile, the DICT countered these claims, saying that the law further states that the Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. The law was signed on 10 October 2022. It was thereafter published in the website of the Official Gazette on 12 October 2022, and in the 13 October 2022 issue of the Daily Tribune. It therefore took effect 15 days after such publication, or no later than 28 October 2022.
While the DICT may extend the registration for another 120 days, the aim is to finish the registration within the original deadline. Meanwhile, the guidelines for the rollout of SIM registration in remote areas are being finalized and will be released soon.
DICT further warns the public to never trust individuals who offer assistance, paid or not, in registering their SIM, to protect their private and personal information.
As of Jan. 11, 2023, the DICT reported that registration has been completed for 10.47% of the 169 million subscribers nationwide, with 17,698,340 registered SIMs.
You may register your SIM cards and eSIMs through these official links:
• SMART - smart.com.ph/simreg or simreg.smart.com.ph
• GLOBE - new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• DITO - https://digital.dito.ph/pto/download/app
SIMs not registered within the said period shall be automatically deactivated.
For complaints and concerns related to SIM Registration, you may contact the hotline 1326. You may also reach the DICT through these numbers:
SMART: 0947 714 7105
GLOBE: 0966 976 5971
DITO: 0991 481 4225
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