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| DICT extends the SIM registration period by 90 days, reviews measures to encourage registration, and collaborates with PTEs to increase registrants. Photo: DICT/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced a 90-day extension of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration period in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 11934, also known as the SIM Registration Act. This extension pushes the deadline from its original date to July 25, 2023.
The extension is part of an ongoing effort to mitigate cybercrimes and text scams perpetrated by anonymous individuals.
During this extended period, DICT is reviewing the implementation of measures to encourage registration, which may include barring access to value-added services, disallowing outgoing calls, and/or extending the reactivation period for deactivated SIMs.
These measures will be incorporated as amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11934 and executed following applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
In addition, the technical capacity of the country's three public telecommunication entities (PTEs) will be assessed to determine their ability to execute the proposed measures. DICT urges PTEs to recalibrate their strategies to increase the number of registrants during the extended period. The department also plans to assist PTEs and government counterparts in addressing concerns related to identification requirements for SIM registration.
To better serve disadvantaged groups and those residing in areas with limited or no access to services, DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will amplify efforts to deploy programs that aid these populations in registering their SIMs.
The public is advised to monitor the DICT's social media channels and website for official updates on enforcing the SIM Registration Act. The department also urges Filipinos to seize the opportunity of the extended SIM registration window, highlighting the significance of accountability and responsibility in utilizing SIMs to tackle cybercrimes and text scams. —iTacloban