Last day to register SIM cards in the Philippines

Today is the last day for Filipinos to register their SIM cards with their respective telcos as mandated by the SIM Card Registration Act.

The law aims to prevent the use of SIM cards for illegal activities such as fraud, terrorism, and cybercrime. It also seeks to protect consumers from identity theft and spam messages.

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), more than 104 million SIM cards have been registered as of July 19, 2023, out of the estimated 168 million mobile subscribers in the country.

The DICT has extended the registration deadline by 90 days from the original date of April 26, 2023, after receiving requests from telcos and consumers who faced difficulties in the process.

However, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said that this is the final extension and there will be no more grace period after July 25.

He warned that unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated and users will lose their numbers, access to calls, texts, internet, and other services linked to their mobile numbers.

He also said that the DICT is coordinating with telcos to gradually cut services for unregistered SIM users as an incentive to comply with the law.

Uy urged the public to register their SIM cards as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and disruption of services.

Registration is free and easy, and only requires a valid government-issued ID and a liveliness check or selfie for verification.

Minors and foreigners can register their SIM cards using the names of their parents or guardians or their passport details, respectively.

Uy also added that the DICT and telcos are deploying mobile units in remote areas to assist users who have limited internet access or IDs.

Users can register their SIM cards online through the websites or apps of Globe, Smart, or DITO. They can also visit any of their stores or call their hotlines for assistance.

Remember to only register your SIM cards through official channels: