Register your SIM card starting December 27 or face deactivation
If you want to continue being able to use mobile services, you will need to register it or face deactivation. This is now a requirement of the Subscriber Identity Modyle (SIM) Registration Act or R. A. 11934. The National Telecommunications Commission released the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) last December 12. It takes effect on December 27, 2022.
We have up to 180 days (or roughly 6 months) from effectivity of the law to register our SIMs although the law allows the registration to be extended for a period not more than 120 days. Each telco operator is responsible for maintaining the database of SIM registration. Registration is FREE.
Different types of SIMs are covered by the law: mobile SIMs, embedded SIMs (eSIMs), data-only or fixed wireless broadband modem SIMs, as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) and/or Internet-of-Things (IoT) SIMs.
The registration process will vary depending on your situation so here goes.
Postpaid subscribers
The telco provider you got your postpaid SIM from already has your customer information. However, you will need to confirm this information through the website that the telco provider will give.
Current prepaid subscribers
All prepaid subscribers will likewise need to register on the website provided by the telco provider for registration within 180 days from the law’s effectivity.
Once this deadline is reached, unregistered active SIMs will be automatically deactivated. You can reactivate it but only within 5 days from automatic deactivation.
New SIM users
All new SIMs will, by default, be deactivated. New SIM users will need to fill up a registration form via a registration website provided by the telco provider.
For individuals, the following information will be collected:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Present/Official address
- Type of ID presented
- ID number presented
Acceptable IDs for individuals include:
- Passport
- Philippine Identification System ID
- SSS ID
- GSIS ID
- Driver’s license
- NBI clearance
- Police clearance
- Firearms’ License to Own and Possess ID
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID
- Voter’s ID
- Senior citizen’s card
- Universal Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID)
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) card
- Other valid government-issued ID with photo
For businesses or other juridical entities, the following information will be collected:
- Business name
- Business address
- Full name of authorized signatory
The business entity will need to present its Certificate of Registration and, in the case of a corporation, a duly adopted resolution designating the authorized representative. In the case of other juridical entities, a special power of attorney will need to be presented.
Minors
SIMs to be used by a minor will be registered under the name of the minor’s parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will have to present any of the IDs listed above as well as a written consent for the SIM’s registration.
Foreigners
Foreigners will need to submit the following information in order to get a local SIM.
- Full name
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport
- Proof of address in the Philippines
- Type of travel or admission document presented
- ID number or number of the document presented
SIMs issued to foreigners with a tourist visa will only be good for 30 days. An extension can be requested if the visa is also extended. The 30-day validity period does not apply to foreigners holding other kinds of visas.
Remote areas
Government agencies, such as but not limited to DICT, NTC, DILG, and DepEd as well as all telco providers, shall help facilitate SIM registration in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.
Specific to Globe/TM/Home Prepaid WiFi subscribers
If you are a Globe, TM, or Home Prepaid WiFi subscriber, go to https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg. By January 2023, registration will also be possible through the GlobeOne app.
Specific to Smart Prepaid/Smart Bro/TNT subscribers
For Smart Prepaid, Smart Bro, and TNT subscribers, register at https://smart.com.ph/simreg. For new users, a liveness check or selfie photo will be required for validation.
Specific to Dito subscribers
Go to https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO to register your SIM.
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The SIM Card Registration Act likewise contains provisions that address lost or stolen SIMs, describes the responsibilities of both the users and telco providers, and provides a list of penalties for violations.
