SIM card registration: A step-by-step guide

SIM card registration: A step-by-step guide

FROM INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—While over two million SIM cards have been registered in the first two days of the listing that is mandated by law, there are still millions who are unfamiliar with the registration process.

One of them is Ofelia Gaon, 52, who told INQUIRER.net: “I heard from the radio that in compliance with a law, I need to have my SIM card listed starting Dec. 27, but I do not know how.”

According to data from telecommunications companies, there are 170 million SIM cards to be registered in the 180-day period set by law—Globe Telecom Inc. (87.9 million), Smart Communications Inc. (68 million), and DITO Telecommunity (14 million).

RELATED STORY: Never worry: It’s 180 days until you register your SIM card – solon

Two days since the listing started, Globe has already registered 1,769,374 SIM cards, while Smart has 1,019,207. DITO has listed 530,424.

The registration is mandated by Republic Act No. 11934—the SIM Registration Act—which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10 to arrest the spread of spam messages and scams.

RELATED STORY: NTC forms task force to monitor SIM card registration

According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), SIM card registration assistance services will be made available at retail and service centers of the telecommunications companies.

READ: NTC: SIM card registration assistance in telco service, retail outlets

NTC Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan said over radio station Teleradyo that “for assisted registration, subscribers [can] visit the stores or branches of telcos. They have personnel that can help our countrymen who want to register.”

RELATED STORY: Tech issues mar first day of SIM card registration

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

But for those who wish to complete the registration online, here’s how you can register:

Globe: https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg

Smart: https://smart.com.ph/simreg

DITO: https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

Keep in mind, however, that if you are a Smart subscriber, you need to first tick the “I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions” button before you can click the “Send OTP” button.

Keep in mind that you only need to tick the “required” boxes. It’s up to you whether you want to tick the remaining boxes such as those that are for Marketing and Promotional Permission, which means you’ll receive promotional messages from telcos if you agree.

As announced by Globe, existing Postpaid, Platinum, and Business Postpaid subscribers already have their data with the company and that they only need to wait for instructions or additional questions from Globe.

Existing Smart Postpaid subscribers, meanwhile, need to text “YES” to 5858 to confirm the personal information and government-issued IDs that they had already submitted for their postpaid plan application.

RELATED STORY: SIM card registration law signed amid privacy concerns

It was likewise stressed that SIM cards for individuals below 18 years old shall be registered in the name of the parent or legal guardian. Those traveling overseas and are using roaming services are also expected to register.

Valid IDs

Here’s a list of official ID cards that will be accepted in registering SIM cards:

This, as mobile subscribers are required to provide a valid government-issued ID or similar documents with a photo when registering. Subscribers for businesses must provide the business name, business address, and the full name of a legal signatory.

GRAPHIC Jerome Cristobal

It was stressed that providing false information or documents to register a SIM card carries a prison term ranging from six months to two years and a fine between P100,000 and P300,000.

A visiting tourist, meanwhile, needs to present a passport, proof of address in the Philippines, and a return ticket to his or her own country.

Things to keep in mind

Registration will last until April 26, 2023, but this can still be extended for another 120 days.

As stated by the law, failure or refusal to register SIM cards carry these penalties:

Telecommunications companies, their agents, or employees, will be fined P500,000 to P4 million for breach of confidentiality — or when they directly or indirectly reveal subscribers’ data.

READ: SIM card registration: Things the public must remember

TSB

Read more...