SIM card. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
LIGAO CITY — Rep. Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol partylist has warned the public of the possible modus operandi of some sellers taking advantage of subscribers trying to beat the SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration deadline.
“It is unacceptable for these SIM card sellers to take advantage of the situation by charging additional fees for SIM card registration. This is a clear case of extortion and exploitation of consumers. I call on the public to be vigilant and report any form of abuse and exploitation to the proper authorities,” Co said in a statement on Tuesday, April 25.
He also advised the consumers to find time and avail themselves of the free SIM card registration services offered by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in their areas.
“Consumers should not be forced to pay extra fees for SIM card registration. They should not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous SIM card sellers who are trying to profit from the situation,” he added.
Republic Act No. 11934 or SIM Registration Act mandates all mobile phone subscribers to register their SIM cards six months after the law was signed by President Marcos in October last year. If mobile phone subscribers fail to do so, their SIM cards will be automatically deactivated after the list-up period.
The SIM card registration period ends on Wednesday, April 26.
Deactivated SIM cards, however, may still be revived within five days from their automatic deactivation, according to the National Telecommunications Commission.
MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN INQ
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