The SIM card registration deadline in the Philippines is fast approaching. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has reminded the public that they have until July 25, 2023, to register their SIM cards with their respective telcos or face deactivation.
The SIM registration law, which took effect on December 27, 2022, aims to prevent the use of unregistered or stolen SIM cards for illegal activities such as fraud, terrorism, and cybercrime. It also seeks to protect consumers from identity theft, spam messages, and unwanted calls.
According to the NTC, as of July 16, 2023, more than 103.5 million SIMs have been registered out of the 168 million mobile subscribers nationwide. The agency has urged the remaining users to register as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and disruption of service.
How to register your SIM card
The registration process is simple and free. You just need to fill out a form and provide your personal information such as full name, date of birth, gender, address, and government ID number. You may also need to do a liveliness check or selfie for validation.
You can register your SIM card online through the websites or apps of Smart, Globe, or DITO, or via the eGov PH Super App. You can also visit their physical stores or call their hotlines for assistance. For more details on how to register your SIM card, you can refer to this FAQ guide or our how-to article here.
Remember to only register your SIM cards through official channels:
- SMART/TNT/PLDT Home WiFi: simreg.smart.com.ph
- GLOBE: new.globe.com.ph/simreg
- DITO: https://digital.dito.ph/pto/download/app
What are the consequences of not registering your SIM card
If you fail to register your SIM card by July 25, 2023, your SIM card will be deactivated and you will lose your mobile number, ability to make and receive calls, and access to e-wallets and other financial services linked to your phone number.
The DICT has also warned that providing false information or fake IDs during registration could result in prison time of six months to two years and a fine of up to P300,000.
Why you should register your SIM card now
The DICT has said that this is the last chance for the public to register their SIM cards as the law sets a hard limit for extensions. After the deadline, there will be no catch-up registration and users will have to buy new SIM cards with valid IDs.
The agency has also emphasized that registering your SIM card is not only a legal obligation but also a social responsibility. By doing so, you are helping the government and telcos in ensuring the security and safety of the telecommunications sector and the public.
