Telcos: We are ready for SIM registration

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — The country's mobile service providers assured subscribers they will be accommodated once the period to register their subscriber identification module (SIM) begins on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

At a briefing on Monday, representatives from Globe, SMART, and DITO Telecommunity laid out plans for their subscribers as well as measures to take in case of problems during the registration period.

Globe Telecom said one of the challenges it foresees is people's unfamiliarity with the registration site. However, it added that all of its subscribers could finish registering within the 180-day period.

Globe said its focus is on registering prepaid SIM. Postpaid users will be sent a message asking them to update their information.

DITO Telecommunity, meanwhile, said it could be difficult to encourage people to register as the process is new. DITO said subscribers could use their app to register their phones.

"At the end of the day, we are ready for registration, but we need the public's help," DITO Telecommunity Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano said.

SMART said it has tested its registration platform and reported that it was working well. The telco advised postpaid subscribers to wait for a message asking whether they would agree to use information already with the company for their SIM registration.

SMART and DITO said their subscribers could go to any of their stores where they could be assisted to register.

Telcos warned the public against falling for or using links that could lead them to fake sites to register. They said the public must be on guard against illegal attempts to gather personal information.

Earlier this month, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, which said all SIM must be registered beginning Dec.27.

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe tells the NTC and telcos to make sure registration is simple especially for senior citizens as well as persons with disabilities.

She said it should "be as easy as texting or sending a message."