Smart support for SIM Registration extension to give customers more time to secure valid IDs

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications reiterates its request for the extension of SIM registration deadline for another 120 days to give subscribers ample time to register their SIMs.

In a formal request letter filed by Atty. Roy Ibay of Smart’s Regulatory Affairs Department with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Smart said extending the deadline would give subscribers more time to secure valid IDs or proofs of identity required under the Republic Act No. 11934 or SIM Registration Act.

"With the mandatory SIM registration now in place, lack of IDs remains a challenge to those availing mobile communication services. These individuals without valid IDs are at a higher risk of digital, social and financial exclusion, and marginalization as mobile communications may be their only means of accessing online information, financial services, and other social benefits," it said.

"Pormal na po naming isinumite ang kasulatang humihiling ng 120 days extension para po sa SIM registration process, from after April 26. Extending the deadline will give our remaining 50% subscriber base ample time to register. Sa kasalukuyan, 121 days lang ang inilaang panahon para makapag-register ang lahat ng 160 million subscribers sa buong bansa," said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

"Comparatively, in other countries, tulad ng Indonesia at India, public telco entities were given 1 to 2 years of a registration window. Makatutulong din sa ating subscribers ang extension na ito to secure valid IDs or proofs needed to register their SIMs. Gusto po nating iwasang ma-alienate or ma-left behind ang remaining 50% na hindi pa nakakapag-register. So sumusuporta po kami sa pag-extend ng deadline by another 120 days from April 26," Yang added.

Smart has set up hundreds of assisted SIM registration booths in far-flung areas all over the country in close collaboration with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), DICT, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the inter-agency committee on remote areas registration, and other public telecommunications entities.

Through this initiative, Smart and value brand TNT offer information and guidance on how to register SIMs using acceptable ID cards, and provide physical assistance especially to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those using non-data phones.

New and existing Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers may also visit PLDT and Smart stores, or access Smart’s SIM registration portal through https://simreg.smart.com.ph/; Postpaid users can simply text YES to 5858, while Enterprise customers can confirm their registration through their authorized representatives.