The Department of Information and Communications Technology said Wednesday there would be “no extension” of SIM registration deadline, despite the request of telco players amid low registration turnout.
The agency said it received and acknowledged the request of Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) to extend the SIM registration period pursuant to Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act.
“However, at this point, there is no extension of SIM registration,” it added.
Earlier, the country’s three largest telcos requested the DICT to extend the SIM registration for another 120 days due to lower turnout.
Under the law, the SIM registration deadline can be extended for another 120 days as it deems necessary.
But, “with the 26 April 2023 registration deadline drawing near, we encourage everyone to register to promote the responsible use of SIMs and provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to crack down on perpetrators who use SIMs for their crimes, consistent with the declared policy of the law,” DICT said.
Also, the DICT reminds the public that non-registration will result in the deactivation of their SIMs, barring them from receiving and sending calls and text messages and accessing mobile applications and digital wallets.
The DICT reiterated the SIM Registration Act places primacy on the fundamental rights of Filipinos and is replete with safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and security of user data.
“The DICT is one with PTEs in ensuring that Filipinos can enjoy safe and secure mobile phone services through the holistic implementation of the SIM Registration Act,” the agency said.
As of April 18, 2023, only 74.18 million or 44.15 percent of the 168 million mobile subscriber base nationwide have registered their SIMs.
Smart Communications Inc. registered 36.55 million, followed by Globe with 32.22 million and DITO Telecommunity with 5.39 million.