The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has implemented new guidelines to prevent fraudulent SIM card registrations. NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez announced the immediate effect of a memorandum order (MO) requiring live selfie photos during SIM card registration, aimed at ensuring legitimate users. Telecommunications companies must install the necessary technology for live selfies by December 18. The move was prompted by concerns raised by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III about fraudulent registrations. While the law aimed to curb text scams, it has been exploited by individuals using fake IDs for criminal activities, according to Lopez.
Update: At the end of July 2023, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), acting as the industry watchdog, had deactivated up to 54 million unregistered SIM cards in the Philippines as part of its SIM card registration enforcement measures.
Don’t delay any further. Check out our easy guide to get registered.
The SIM Card Registration Act or Republic Act 11934, was officially signed and made effective by President Bongbong Marcos last October 10, 2022. This is one of the government’s initiatives to prevent and halt individuals who commit scams through the use of mobile phones and other devices using such SIM cards. This covers all kinds of SIM cards from phones to modems including prepaid and postpaid subscribers.
That said, let’s walk you through everything you need to know about it!
How do I register my SIM card?
SIM card holders are required to visit their respective SIM brands website and fill out all necessary information to complete the registration. They can also use their dedicated apps to go through the process.
- Smart – https://smart.com.ph/simreg
- Globe – https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg
- DITO – https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO
How long do I have to register my SIM card?
The SIM card registration officially started last Dec. 27, 2022 with an original end date of April 26, 2023. New SIM cards will be in “deactivated mode” until they’re registered by the buyer.
In addition, the law allows the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to extend the registration until July 25, 2023. However, that information is still subject to change.
What happens if I fail to register my SIM?
Failure to register your SIM card will result in automatic deactivation.
What documents do I need to have to register my SIM?
Aside from providing your complete name, address, sex and birthday, you are also required to enter any valid ID along with its corresponding ID number:
- Driver’s license
- PhilSys ID
- SSS or GSIS ID
- NBI or police clearance
- senior citizen’s ID
- PWD card
- Other licenses issued by other government entities
SIM cards under a business establishment should also provide the business name, address and signature of any authorized individual.
Minors will have to register their SIM cards under their parent’s or guardian’s name.
Postpaid subscribers will be contacted by their telco providers so their user SIM can be automatically registered.
Will foreign visitors have to register their SIM as well?
Yes. Foreigners staying as tourists will have to register their SIM cards as well while providing necessary information for identification. Their SIM cards will be active for 30 days and are eligible for extension upon submission of valid and approved extension of Visa.
I live in a remote area with limited technology/internet connectivity. How do I register my SIM?
Registration of SIM cards in remote areas will be assisted by the DICT, NTC, DILG, DepEd and telco companies. Residents will be informed of any updates on the matter.
What happens if I lose my SIM?
Should you happen to lose your phone along with its SIM due to theft or accidental loss, you can report to your telco provider about the incident and provide necessary information that would link you to the lost SIM.
Would I be penalized for providing false information during registration?
Yes. As the act pushes to prevent fraudulent transactions and scams from happening, this would defeat the purpose of the registration. If found guilty to have consciously entered false information during registration such as the usage of fake IDs and such, that individual will face a fine of up to ₱300,000 and imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years.
The transfer of a registered SIM to another individual without compliance with the registration process will face similar fines and penalties. This includes those who will spoof or sell a stolen SIM.
So that’s all you need to know about the SIM card registration process. In case the links don’t work for some reason, just give it a few tries as it can be due to heavy traffic due to the number of registrations.
This article was first published in January 2023 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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