SIM card registration slows down – DICT

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reminded people yesterday that they have until April 26 to register their SIM cards.

DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo issued the reminder, noting the low turnout of SIM card registrants over the past weeks.

“We are almost halfway into the SIM card registration and we have observed a slowdown in the number of registrants. Although we anticipated this lull, we are compelled to do more,” Lamentillo said.

She said unregistered SIM cards would be deactivated after the deadline.

Under the SIM Card Registration Act, public telecommunication entities are mandated to establish their respective registration platforms to onboard users who present valid identification cards.

President Marcos signed the SIM card registration into law in October last year.

DICT data showed that 32,062,265 SIM cards had been registered as of Feb. 12. The figure represents 18.97 percent of the 168.977 million SIM cards across the country.

“While telecommunication companies are working double time, the DICT and National Telecommunications Commission are also reinforcing our support for the telcos,” Lamentillo said.

“Those who have yet to register their SIM cards, do so already. Please do not wait for the deadline,” she added.