DICT: Over 11.2M SIM cards now registered

Over 11.2 million subscriber identity modules or SIMs have been registered with their respective telecommunications service providers six days after the SIM registration process commenced late last month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Wednesday.

Citing data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as of January 2, 2023, the DICT said a total of 11,219,722 were registered since December 27, 2022.

Broken down, Smart Communications Inc. recorded the highest number with 5,172,061 SIMs registered.

Globe Telecom Inc. followed with 5,030,649 SIMs registered.

DITO Telecommunity Corp., meanwhile, registered 1,017,012 SIMs.

The DICT said Smart, Globe, and DITO have provided procedures and guidelines for their registration processes, following the nationwide implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act last December.

“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, in line with the vision of President Marcos Jr. We encourage the public to participate and register so we can create a safer cyber community,” said DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.

Uy said that the SIM Registration law aims to regulate the issuance and use of SIMs, which are essential in operating mobile devices like mobile phones and pocket Wi-Fis.

This is expected to suppress the spread of spam texts and scams using mobile devices, said the DICT chief.

The registration of SIM may be done online through the websites or applications launched by telecommunications companies.

The DICT said that together with the NTC it will be extending support to the telcos in facilitating registration in remote areas where Internet connectivity is limited or non-accessible.

Moreover, the agency also encouraged subscribers to register early for a more convenient process and free from tight deadlines.

The DICT also reminded subscribers that some difficulties and minor errors are expected to occur during the first days of the implementation while the providers fine tune the implementation of the registration.

Users are advised to report any glitch or issues encountered immediately to the telcos or relevant government agencies to be addressed accordingly, it said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News