The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released last Monday, December 12, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the SIM Registration act.
NTC released the IRR for SIM Registration more than a month after it became law.
According to the commission, the new law will take effect on December 27. With that, expect telco companies to roll out their respective SIM registration portals and websites in the coming weeks.
With this new development, new SIM cards will be sold in “deactivated mode.”
Based on the IRR, existing SIM card owners have 180 days or 6 months from December 27 to have their SIM card registered. Failure to do so will result in the deactivation of their SIM cards.
Related
The IRR also states that the registration should be done using a secure website or platform by the telco companies to ensure that users’ personal information is safe.
Speaking of which, those who will register will have to provide their full name, sex, date of birth, address, or a valid government ID or similar documents with a photo attached.
Business entities can also provide their business name, business address, and the full name of an authorized signatory.
As for foreigners, they should present the same personal information as well as their passport details. Visiting tourists will be issued a SIM card that’s only valid for 30 days. These cards can be extended if they are able to present an approved visa extension.
Smart, Globe, and DITO Telecommunity showed their support for the new law and said that they will roll out their SIM registration processes in the coming weeks after months of preparations.
You can learn more about the SIM registration process here.