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Thursday, March 28, 2024

DICT logs 481 complaints over SIM registration

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The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that it received 481 complaints against telecommunications companies on the first three days of the implementation of the SIM registration act. 

DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo said of the total complaints logged by their agency, 195 are from Smart subscribers, 121 from Globe, 83 from Talk and Text, 41 from DITO, 20 from TM, 14 from Sun Cellular, and 7 from GOMO, ABS-CBN News reported.

SIM registration started on December 27.

Reports said subscribers had complained about encountering various technical problems and glitches in registering their SIM cards in compliance with the new law.

Sen. Nancy Binay meanwhile said she wants the DICT and telecommunications companies to set up kiosks for SIM registration to assist mobile phone registrants.

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According to the senator, mobile kiosks in malls, plazas, schools, and community centers will both serve as information booths and registration centers.

“Perhaps, we can look as a template or operational model during the pandemic like COVID-19 vaccination centers in LGUs. Meaning, one offsite venue would serve as in inquiry/information booth, and at the same time as a registration center that would assist non-techie mobile users, and those without internet access,” Binay said.

She also noted suspicious links to websites as well as “confusion” in the registration process.

“Confusion brings out all sorts of problems,” she said, adding that aside from confusion, there were also unexpected technical glitches that have brought out problems on both ends of the registration process.

“We understand the birth pains of telcos so it is better to simplify our process in the registration and help those not familiar with online transactions,” Binay said.

“So we want our DICT, NTC, telcos, PIA, media, and LGUs  to collaborate and have a system like what was done in vaccination drives but modified and adapted for purposes of SIM registration,” she added.

The senator likewise urged the DICT to come up with an omnibus and unified nationwide information drive to guide the public about SIM card registration, and provide free internet access in offsite registration centers for mobile users who do not have internet access.

There are more than 160 million active mobile users in the Philippines. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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