News

Smart pushes for SIM Registration extension to give customers more time to secure valid IDs

Individuals without valid IDs are at a higher risk of digital, social, and financial exclusion.

Smart Communications reiterates its request for the extension of the SIM registration deadline for another 120 days to give subscribers ample time to register their SIMs.

In a formal request letter filed with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Smart said extending the deadline would give subscribers more time to secure valid IDs or proofs of identity required under the Republic Act No. 11934 or SIM Registration Act.

“With the mandatory SIM registration now in place, lack of IDs remains a challenge to those availing mobile communication services. These individuals without valid IDs are at a higher risk of digital, social, and financial exclusion, and marginalization as mobile communications may be their only means of accessing online information, financial services, and other social benefits,” it said.

“Comparatively, in other countries, tulad ng Indonesia at India, public telco entities were given 1 to 2 years of a registration window. Makatutulong din sa ating subscribers ang extension na ito to secure valid IDs or proofs needed to register their SIMs. Gusto po nating iwasang ma-alienate or ma-left behind ang remaining 50 percent na hindi pa nakakapag-register. So sumusuporta po kami sa pag-extend ng deadline by another 120 days from April 26,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

(Comparatively, in other countries, such as Indonesia and India, public telco entities were given 1 to 2 years of a registration window. This extension will also help our subscribers to secure valid IDs or proofs needed to register their SIMs. We want to avoid alienating or leaving behind the remaining 50 percent who have not yet registered. So we support extending the deadline by another 120 days from April 26.)

For the list of acceptable IDs, go to the end of this post.

SIM Registration Law or RA 11934

The SIM Registration law or RA 11934 mandates all SIM card users, both existing and new, to register their SIM cards with their respective telecommunications providers by April 26, 2023. The law aims to prevent the misuse of SIM cards for illegal activities such as fraud, identity theft, cybercrime, and terrorism.

According to the NTC, the measure has proven effective as text scam complaints declined by as much as 93.3 percent.

After April 26, unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated, rendering them unusable for voice calls, text messaging, and other mobile data services. This will affect any digital service you are using that relies on the SIM card, including e-wallets like GCash and Maya, social media accounts, and banking accounts. Here’s a rundown of what happens if you fail to register your SIM card.

The public is reminded to register only through the official links of the telcos and to remain vigilant against scammers taking advantage of the situation to steal personal information and commit fraud.

For details on how to register your SIM cards, you can read our post here. For concerns regarding SIM registration, you may call DICT’s 24/7 complaint center hotline by dialing 1326. Or you may reach DICT through these contact numbers:

  • SMART: 0947 714 7105
  • GLOBE: 0966 976 5971
  • DITO: 0991 481 4225

Check out our SIM Registration process comparison between Smart and Globe to give you an idea of what the telcos are doing to boost registrants.

Accepted IDs for SIM Card Registration

  • Passport
  • Philippine Identification Card
  • SSS ID
  • GSIS e-Card
  • Driver’s License
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Firearms License to Own and Possess ID
  • PRC ID
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration ID
  • BIR ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Senior Citizen’s Card
  • Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card
  • PWD Card
  • Other valid government-issued ID with photo

Technobaboy.com is one of the most active tech sites in the Philippines. We enjoy sharing interesting and relevant stories about the latest trends in technology, developments in mobile phones and social media, and modern digital and geek culture.

Write A Comment