Are you one of the thousands of people who rushed to register your SIM card in the last two weeks before the original April 26 deadline?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! There was a massive surge in SIM card registration in the Philippines as people rushed to comply with the government’s strict regulations.
But what’s all the fuss about? Why is SIM card registration such a big deal?
Well, it’s all about safety and security. By requiring all SIM cards to be registered, the government hopes to prevent illegal activities and keep the public safe.
In this blog post, we’ll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about SIM card registration in the Philippines, including the reasons behind the law, the requirements for registration, and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
So, grab a snack, sit back, and get ready for a fun and informative ride!
SIM Registration in the Philippines
Sim registration has become a mandatory requirement in the Philippines to ensure the security and identity of mobile phone users. As of December 27, 2022, all new SIM cards must be registered with their respective telecom providers in the country.
If you’re a mobile user in the Philippines, it’s essential to understand the registration process and requirements needed to comply with this regulation.
The original deadline for SIM registration was April 26, 2023. After this date, unregistered SIM cards may be deactivated.
However, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the registration period until July 2023.
This 90-day extension of registration of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) in the country is a move seen to increase the number of registrants to around 20 million.
According to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, some of the low turnouts of sim card registration were in the island provinces, like Dinagat, Siquijor and Camiguin islands, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan.
That’s why in the next 90 days, they will be concentrating on some of those islands and some of the communities where they will be deploying more people and more resources to those islands for registration. (Source: Manila Times)
Prepaid Users
If you’re a prepaid user, you must register your SIM card to maintain its active status. To begin, access your provider’s SIM registration website, such as the Globe SIM Registration page.
Enter your 10-digit mobile number and follow the instructions provided, which may include receiving an OTP via text message. Be sure to complete this process before the registration deadline.
New prepaid SIM cards will be in “deactivated mode” until you successfully register them, and you must complete the registration process between December 27, 2022, and July 2023.
Postpaid Subscribers
As a postpaid subscriber, the registration process is slightly different. You may need to contact your mobile service provider or visit their website for specific instructions. Typically, your provider will have your personal information on file, so the registration may involve updating or verifying your information.
Foreigners and Tourists
Foreigners with a tourist visa must also register their SIM cards while in the Philippines. The requirements include presenting your passport, proof of address in the country, and a return ticket to your home country.
It’s important to note that foreign-registered SIM cards are only valid for 30 days, and they will be deactivated upon expiration.
Follow these guidelines to ensure your SIM card remains active, allowing you to stay connected while traveling or living in the Philippines.
Sim Registration by Telcos
Each telecom in the Philippines has its own SIM registration process. This section provides a brief overview of the SIM registration procedures for Smart, Globe, TnT, TM, DITO, and GOMO.
In January of this year, my husband assisted everyone in our household with our sim registration. We made sure that all our sim cards have been registered to avoid getting deactivated. We also assisted our elderly parents and our helpers in registering their sim cards.
The process was very simple and fast. It only took 2 minutes or less for each sim to be registered.
Here’s how to register your sim cards depending on your provider.
Smart Sim Registration
To register your Smart SIM, visit the Smart SIM Registration page. Enter your mobile number, and you’ll receive an OTP to verify your identity. Complete the required information, including your full name, birthdate, address, and valid ID.
Globe Sim Registration
For Globe SIM registration, visit the Globe SIM Registration page. Enter your mobile number to receive an OTP. Provide personal information, such as your full name, birthdate, and address, and upload your ID photo and a selfie. Starting January 2023, you can also register through the Globe One app.
TnT Sim Registration
For TnT (Talk & Text) SIM registration, the process is the same as Smart since they are under the same parent company, PLDT. Visit the TnT SIM Registration page and follow the instructions provided.
TM Sim Registration
TM (Touch Mobile) SIM registration is the same as Globe since they are both under the Globe Telecom umbrella. Visit the TM SIM Registration page and follow the same steps as with Globe.
DITO Sim Registration
For DITO SIM registration, you need to provide your details to the authorized seller when you purchase your SIM card. They will then register your SIM on your behalf. You can refer to the DITO official website for more information.
GOMO Sim Registration
If you have a GOMO SIM, you are already considered registered. However, starting March 2023, you will need to submit your ID via the GOMO app to complete the SIM registration process.
Registration Process
In the Philippines, SIM card registration is required for all mobile subscribers, including prepaid and postpaid users of the major Telco companies such as Globe, Smart, and DITO. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) oversees the implementation of this policy.
This section will discuss the SIM registration process in the Philippines and provide the latest and updated instructions for both retail stores and online registration.
Retail Stores
For retail store registration, visit an authorized store or kiosk of your chosen Telco provider like Globe, Smart, or DITO. Bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, SSS ID, or driver’s license, as proof of identity.
The store representative will assist you in registering your SIM card. They will provide a registration form for you to fill out with your personal information such as your full name, birthdate, sex, official address, and ID number.
After completing the form and submitting the required documents, you will receive a reference number for future correspondence or verification purposes.
Online Registration
If you prefer to register your SIM card online, follow these simple steps:
- Visit your Telco provider’s official SIM registration website or use their mobile app. For Globe and TM users, access the Globe SIM Registration site. For Smart and TNT subscribers, go to the Smart SIM Registration page.
- Provide your 10-digit mobile number and wait for a one-time password (OTP) to be sent to your phone.
- Enter the OTP you received, and fill in the necessary fields on the registration form such as your full name, birthdate, sex, official address, and valid ID details.
- Upload a scanned copy or photo of your government-issued ID and a recent selfie with the ID to verify your identity.
- Submit the form and wait for a confirmation message. After successfully registering, you will receive a reference number for future reference or verification purposes.
Keep in mind that registering your SIM card is essential to ensure your security and to comply with the Philippines’ regulations. By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted mobile services with your registered SIM.
Required Documents
As you register your SIM card in the Philippines, you will be required to provide certain identification documents to verify your identity. Here are the necessary documents separated into two categories: Local IDs for Filipinos and Foreigner’s IDs.
Local IDs for Filipinos
As a Filipino citizen, you may present any of the following valid IDs when registering your SIM card:
- Driver’s License
- Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
- Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
- Voter’s ID
- Police Clearance
- NBI Clearance
- GSIS ID
- Firearms License to Own and Possess ID
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Card
Foreigner’s IDs
For foreigners visiting or staying in the Philippines, the following identification documents are acceptable when registering a Philippine SIM card:
- Passport
Take note that, for tourists, their registered SIM will only be valid for 30 days before it expires and gets deactivated.
It’s essential to prepare the necessary identification documents and ensure they are updated to avoid any inconvenience during the SIM card registration process. Your SIM card registration is crucial to avoid possible deactivation, so make sure you know which documents you will need to present as a Filipino or foreign national.
Deactivation and Penalties
For SIM registration in the Philippines, there are consequences for failure to register or follow specific guidelines, which include deactivation of your SIM card and potential penalties.
Lost or Stolen SIMs
If your SIM card is lost or stolen, you must report the incident to your respective telco. This will help protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized usage of your SIM card. It is crucial to act promptly in these situations to minimize the risks associated with scams and unauthorized access to your mobile number.
Transfer Ownership
Transferring ownership of a registered SIM card without complying with the required registration process is illegal. If you are caught selling or transferring a registered SIM card without proper registration, you may face imprisonment ranging from six months to six years, or a fine of 100,000 to 300,000 pesos, or both (“Republic Act No. 11934”).
Under the SIM Card Registration Act, all new and existing SIM card holders are required to register their SIM cards with their respective telcos to activate or avoid deactivation. The registration period began on December 27, 2022, and will end on April 26, 2023 (“2023 SIM Card Registration Act Of The Philippines”).
However, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may extend the registration deadline until July 2023 if necessary.
Violations such as providing false or fictitious information, using fictitious identities, or fraudulent identification documents to register a SIM card will also result in penalties (“NTC releases IRR of SIM card registration law | Philstar.com”).
Ensure that you follow the proper guidelines, keep your information updated, and safeguard your SIM card to stay compliant with the SIM Card Registration Act and avoid the deactivation and penalties associated with non-compliance.
Privacy and Security
Data Protection Issues
Under Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Card Registration Act, you are required to provide your personal information when registering your SIM card, which may impact your privacy and security. The information you provide should be protected under the Data Privacy Act. However, concerns have been raised about potential data breaches and the misuse of personal information.
Before registering your SIM card, it’s important to understand the privacy notice provided by your telecommunications provider, which should detail how your personal information will be processed, stored, and shared. This helps you make informed decisions about protecting your privacy.
Avoiding Fake IDs
When registering your SIM card under the new law, you will need to present a valid identification document. To ensure the attestation of completeness and accuracy of your information, be vigilant against the use of fake IDs during the mandatory SIM card registration process. Using a fake ID for SIM registration is not only against the law but may also expose you to additional security risks.
To avoid the use of fake IDs:
- Use a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, when registering your SIM card.
- Double-check your ID for errors or inconsistencies that may indicate it’s fake.
- Familiarize yourself with the security features of valid IDs to better identify fakes.
- Never purchase fake IDs or encourage others to do so.
While SIM card registration aims to ensure the security of your telecommunications experience, it’s crucial that you stay informed about privacy and security risks associated with the process. By understanding the implications of data protection issues and avoiding the use of fake IDs, you can protect your personal information and help maintain a secure communication environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have concerns about the SIM card registration process in the Philippines. In this section, we’ll address some of the top concerns related to the registration process and provide solutions to help ease your worries.
Top Concerns
1. How do minors and individuals without a government-issued ID register their SIM cards?
Minors and those who don’t have a valid government-issued ID can still register their SIM cards. Check with your local telecommunication company, such as Globe, Smart Communications or DITO Telecommunity Corp. for alternative proof of identification that they will accept.
2. Is proof of address required for SIM card registration?
Proof of address may be required by some telecommunications providers during the SIM registration process. To be sure, contact your service provider for their specific requirements.
3. How can tourists with a tourist visa register their SIM cards?
Tourists are advised to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in the Philippines. Telecommunication providers usually have booths at the airports where they can assist with the registration process. A passport or a valid ID, along with the tourist visa, should be sufficient for SIM card registration.
Solutions
1. Registering a Globe SIM or Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi
To register your Globe SIM or Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, you can follow the prescribed online registration process provided by Globe Telecom. You’ll need a valid government-issued ID and may be asked for additional proofs of identification.
2. Ensuring the validity of your government-issued ID
Make sure that your government-issued ID is valid, and if possible, provide an ID with a photo. Some examples of valid government-issued IDs include passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security System (SSS) cards, or Postal ID.
3. Keeping your mobile phone updated
Always ensure that your mobile phone is updated with the latest software to avoid any compatibility issues during the SIM registration process. You can check for software updates through your phone’s settings.
4. Familiarize yourself with the SIM Card Registration Act
It’s essential to understand the requirements and regulations under the SIM Card Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11934). This will help you stay informed and be prepared for any changes in the registration process.
Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy reminded the public that the 90-day extension is the last chance to register all active SIM cards, and those who remain unregistered after the extended period may see their SIM cards deactivated.
The SIM Card Registration Act allows for a maximum extension of 120 days.
“So this is the last chance. The law actually has our hands tied. We are only allowed to do this; the extension once and up to a certain period of time. Thereafter, it will be a hard deadline,” Uy said.
“And those who do not register will lose all services, they will lose the number, they will lose access to their SIM card, which means they cannot call out, they cannot receive calls, they cannot text and they will lose access also to their e-wallets and whatever financial services that are linked to their SIM card. So I urge the public really to register quickly,” he added.
Number of Registered SIMs as of April 26, 2023
Smart has registered 41,619,316 of its 66,304,761 subscribers.
Globe has 39,894,099 of the 86,746,672 subscribers already registered.
Dito Telecommunity has 5,929,567 registered SIMs out of 14,964,967 active users.
(Source: Manila Times)
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