WITH the deadline for the subscriber identification module (SIM) cards less than a month to go, the Department of Information and Communications Technology intensified their call as asked consumers not to wait days before the deadline to register to avoid overwhelming the system of the telcos.
This was after based on the latest data from the telecom providers, only 32.01% out of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide have registered their sim cards.
The deadline is on April 26. Failure to do so will mean the deactivation of the SIM cards.
The DICT said that they are ramping up collective action to ensure that all Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable members of society, have registered their SIMs.
Recent statistics released by major Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) showed that DITO Telecommunity Corp., Globe Telecom Inc., and Smart Communications Inc. continued to campaign for the registration.
However, as of March 29, 2023, the number of registered SIMs for DITO – 4,124,064; Globe – 22,406,104; and SMART – 27,560,557.
This brings the total number of registered SIMs to 54,090,725, still a far cry from the 168,977,773 million subscribers.
The DICT said that while recognize that not all Filipinos have equal access to information and resources, which makes it difficult for them to register their SIMs.
Moreover, some may not entirely comprehend the urgency of the SIM registration.
“We urge those who have already registered their SIMs to help inform and encourage those who haven’t yet, especially our elderly and differently-abled citizens, and those living in remote areas,” DICT Undersecretary and Spokesperson Anna Mae Lamentillo added.
The DICT reminds the public to register their SIMs with their respective PTEs and to be vigilant as they complete the registration process. It is crucial to register through official links of PTEs to avoid fraudulent activities, such as scams and identity theft.
Consumers are encouraged to register via SMART – smart.com.ph/simreg or simreg.smart.com.ph; GLOBE – new.globe.com.ph/simreg and DITO – https://digital.dito.ph/pto/download/app.
