The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) eyes to extend the deadline for the subscriber identity module (SIM) registration until August this year, as the registration rate remains low.
As of March 7, only 24.5 percent of the 168.9 million subscribers have registered their SIMs.
“DICT is looking at the possibility of an extension,” Anna Mae Lamentillo, DICT undersecretary, told reporters in a text message. “We are still deliberating on the matter. Now we’re focused on increasing the number of registrants before the April 26 deadline.”
Under the SIM Registration Act, all SIM users must register until April 26, 2023, or their SIMs will be deactivated. The DICT has the prerogative to extend the registration for another 120 days or until August 25.
Based on the consolidated data from Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc. and DITO Telecommunity Corp., a total of 41.5 million subscribers nationwide have registered in their systems, DICT said.
Smart reported a total of 21.1 million registered SIMs which is 31 percent of its 68 million subscribers, while Globe registered 17.2 million SIMs which is 19.6 percent of its 87.9 million subscribers. DITO registered 3.1 million SIMs which is 24 percent of its 13.1 million subscribers.
DICT continues to remind the public to register their SIMs with their respective mobile service providers and be vigilant as they complete the registration process.
Meanwhile, Globe and Smart have ramped up their initiatives to increase the registration in remote areas nationwide.
In a statement, Globe said it is setting up booths in 54 locations nationwide from March 7 to 10 in support of the seventh round of the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) SIM registration assistance.
Globe said it is offering on-ground assistance to those who may face challenges with the registration process, especially in remote areas.
“We understand the importance of staying connected, especially during these challenging times. That’s why Globe remains committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and support. With our SIM registration booths deployed across the country, we hope to make the registration process as easy and convenient as possible for everyone. We encourage our customers to visit these locations and comply with the government mandate before the deadline,” said Cleo Santos, Globe channel management group head.
For its part, Smart and its value mobile brand TNT continue to ramp up their SIM registration efforts in Mindanao to encourage more subscribers to register their SIMs.
