DICT: 32.01% of mobile subscribers registered as April 26 deadline nears

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Friday it is intensifying calls for unregistered mobile subscribers to register their SIMs as only 26 days are left before the deadline.

In a statement, the DICT said it is “calling for collective action to ensure that all Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable members of society, have registered their SIMs.”

This as latest data, as of March 29, from public telecommunication entities (PTEs) show that the number of registered SIMs are as follows: DITO Telecommunity Corp .- 4,124,064; Globe Telecom Inc. - 22,406,104; and Smart Communications Inc - 27,560,557.

“This brings the total number of registered SIMs to 54,090,725, which is 32.01% of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide,” the agency said.

Unregistered SIMs by the end of the registration period on April 26 will be deactivated.

The DICT earlier said it is planning to extend the deadline.

Under the SIM Card Registration Act, signed into law in October 2022, those who have SIMs have 180 days from the effectivity of the law to register their numbers, or until April 26, 2023.

The law also provides that the DICT can extend the deadline for another 120 days as it deemed necessary.

The DICT said it recognizes that not all Filipinos have equal access to information and resources, making it difficult for them to register their SIMs.

Moreover, some may not entirely comprehend the urgency of the SIM registration, it said.

"We urge those who have already registered their SIMs to help inform and encourage those who haven't yet, especially our elderly and differently-abled citizens, and those living in remote areas," said DICT Undersecretary and spokesperson Anna Mae Lamentillo.

The DICT reminded the public to register their SIMs with their respective PTEs and to be vigilant as they complete the registration process. It is crucial to register through official links of PTEs to avoid fraudulent activities, such as scams and identity theft.

Register only through the official links of PTEs:

• Smart - smart.com.ph/simreg or simreg.smart.com.ph
• Globe - new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• DITO - https://digital.dito.ph/pto/download/app

For complaints and concerns related to SIM registration, the public may contact the hotline 1326. For more information about the SIM registration process, the public may visit the DICT website or call these numbers:

•     Smart: 0947 714 7105
•     Globe: 0966 976 5971
•     DITO: 0991 481 4225

The law mandates all PTEs or direct sellers of SIM cards to require users to present a valid identification document with a photo upon purchase.

PTEs are also required to establish their own registration platform and submit a verified list of their authorized dealers and agents across the country to the NTC, along with an updated list every quarter.

Under the IRR, end users are also required to immediately report any change in the information supplied in their applications for registration and any instances of stolen SIMs.

In case of the death of the end user, the immediate family or relatives of the end user are required to report this to the respective PTEs, where they will file for any activation or deactivation moving forward.

PTEs are also required to deactivate SIM cards used for fraudulent text or calls upon due investigation.—AOL, GMA Integrated News