DICT launches 24/7 complaint center for SIM registration issues, concerns

DICT spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo

MANILA, Philippines –  The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday said it had launched a 24/7 complaint center tasked to receive reports and address issues concerning the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act. 

DICT spokesperson Anna Lamentillo said that the 24/7 complaint center, which may be accessed through hotline 1326, will stand as a “support system for the implementation of the SIM registration as this will provide a platform where SIM subscribers can report their concerns or provide suggestions on how the process can be improved.” 

“The first 15 days starting December 27 is a test period,”  Lamentillo said in a statement.

“This means that registrations during this period are all valid, but we are already anticipating that there could be some difficulties because this process is new to both the subscribers and the public telecommunications entities (PTEs),” she added. 

READ: Tech issues mar first day of SIM card registration

The two-week period, Lamentillo noted, will allow PTEs to pinpoint areas in the SIM registration process, which can be improved to make it more efficient and convenient for subscribers. 

“DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy wants the SIM registration to be done as soon as possible, within 180 days, and he wants to ensure that the process will be as seamless as possible. That is why we launched a 24/7 complaint center so that concerns can be reported immediately and acted upon promptly,” Lamentillo explained. 

Smart Communications, Inc. warned its subscribers of possible difficulties accessing its SIM registration portal “due to the high volume of registrants.”

Globe Telecom, Inc. advised its service users to keep trying should they encounter problems with their SIM registration.

Active Globe SIMs must be registered by April 26 next year, it also reminded.

The SIM Card Registration Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last October, will require existing mobile subscribers to register their SIM cards to avoid deactivation. 

Meanwhile, newly purchased SIM cards will only be activated upon the buyer’s submission of necessary documents. 

 To register, subscribers should visit their respective PTEs’ registration websites:

• Globe Telecom Inc.: https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• Smart Communications Inc.: https://smart.com.ph/simreg
• Dito Telecommunity: https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO

A privacy notice will be made available on the platform or website to explain the details of the SIM registration.  

RELATED STORIES: 

SIM card registration: Things the public must remember

SIM registration not for public surveillance – DOJ chief

SIM registration rules out, to take effect Dec. 27

gsg