SIM registration now at 24M, rollout in remote areas commences
FROM INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reports that SIM registration has been accomplished for 24,120,541 SIMs as of January 22, 2023.
Based on records provided by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the total number is 14.27% of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide.
Smart Communications Inc. reported a total of 12,167,220 SIMs registered, which is 17.9% of Smart’s 67,995,734 subscribers. Globe Telecom Inc. recorded 9,988,656 registered — 11.37% of its 87,873,936 subscribers. Meanwhile, DITO Telecommunity Corp. reported a total of 1,964,665 SIMs registered or 14.99% of its 13,108,103 subscribers.
SIM registration rollout in remote areas will also commence this week for 15 identified locations in different provinces. Pilot areas for the assisted registration for 25-27 January 2023 are in the following:
DAY 1 – JANUARY 25
– Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte – Municipal Auditorium of Pasuquin
– Moalboal, Cebu – Municipal Hall of Moalboal
– Palo, Leyte – Municipal Gym of Palo
– Pangantucan, Bukidnon – Municipal Gymnasium of Pangantucan
– Malalag, Davao del Sur – Covered Court of Malalag
DAY 2 – January 26
– Atok, Benguet – Basketball Court in Atok
– Camalaniugan, Cagayan – Camalaniugan Sports Complex in Brgy. Dacal, Lafugu, Maharlika Hi-way
– Calumpit, Bulacan – Municipal Covered Court of Calumpit
– Rosario, Batangas – Luancing Covered Court, back of Municipal Hall Brgy. Poblacion
– City of Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur – Multi-purpose covered court in Brgy. Arena Blanco
DAY 3 – January 27
– Baco, Oriental Mindoro – Covered court in Brgy. Sta Rosa 1
– City of Ligao, Albay – Multi-purpose covered court in Brgy. Paulba, Ligao City
– Carles, Iloilo – Covered Gym of Carles in front of Municipal Hall
– Arakan, Cotabato – Emergency Operations Center (MDRRM Office) in Evacuation Center Bldg., Municipal Hall Compound, Poblacion
– Tagbina, Surigao del Sur – Municipal Gym of Tagbina
DICT Spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo said that the government, through the DICT, NTC, and its partner agencies, is doing everything to help citizens comply with the mandatory SIM registration.
“The government-led facilitation of SIM registration in remote areas is intended to ensure that the implementation of the law is inclusive and that we finish the SIM registration on time. We are reaching out to SIM end-users in areas with limited telecommunication or internet access to assist them in registering their SIMs. The DICT’s Free Wi-Fi sites will serve as the hubs for SIM registration in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs),” said Lamentillo.
NTC Officer-in-Charge Commissioner Ella Blanca B. Lopez said, “The NTC, through the concerted effort of its Regional Offices and in coordination with the telcos and relevant government agencies, will ensure the proper conduct of the SIM Registration in Remote Areas. This endeavor is aimed at maximizing SIM subscriber participation in the SIM Registration process, thereby helping ensure the successful implementation of the SIM Registration Act.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has tasked concerned local government units (LGUs) to ensure the success of the assisted registration in GIDAs.
“The DILG is providing its full assistance in the rollout of SIM registration in remote areas through our LGUs. Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has already urged LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of SIM registration, and guide and assist our citizens in the whole registration process,” said DILG Spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide support in the issuance of NBI clearances.
“The DOJ will be setting up NBI one-stop-shops so that citizens who do not have valid government-issued IDs can secure their NBI clearance on-site and use it from the SIM registration. This is one way we can provide support for the full implementation of the SIM Registration Law, which is an important tool for the DOJ in suppressing cybercrimes,” said DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano.
The DICT, under the leadership of Secretary Ivan John Uy, continuously reminds the public to be vigilant as they complete the registration process. 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, you may contact the hotline 1326. You may also reach the DICT through these numbers:
SMART: 0947 714 7105
GLOBE: 0966 976 5971
DITO: 0991 481 4225
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