Following the release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Act, mobile operators Globe and Smart Communications have announced that they will launch their online SIM registration platforms and start selling new SIMs in deactivated mode.
In statements issued on Monday, Dec. 12, both telcos welcomed the release of the IRR, which was crafted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in consultation with the telco industry.
The IRR is expected to lay down the SIM registration procedure and guidelines that all telcos must follow in creating their respective registration platforms. The IRR is expected to take effect on December 27, 2022.
“Globe is proud to be part of the technical working group that crafted the IRR, which we hope will pave the way for an orderly and timely SIM registration for all SIM users. We will continue our close collaboration with the government to ensure full implementation of the SIM Registration Act to achieve our shared goal of stopping cybercrime, including SIM-aided fraud,” said Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu.
Cu also mentioned that Globe has existing customers who are currently not using smartphones and may not be digital savvy. “Globe shall put in place a special assistance process for these customers so they can go through the registration as well,” he said.
For its part, Smart Communications VP and head of regulatory Roy Ibay said: “We are proud to have been able to contribute to the crafting of the IRR, which also aims to be all inclusive as Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) shall also provide additional means to assist persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women, and/or persons with special needs in registering their respective SIMs — a provision that was added even as it was not mentioned specifically in the law.”
“We join the National Telecommunications Commission, key regulators and government agencies, and our counterparts in other PTEs in ensuring the orderly and effective implementation of our SIM Registration Law,” Ibay added.
In compliance with the law, Globe and Smart said the new SIMs must be registered immediately to enjoy telco services, while existing SIMs should be registered within 180 days or six months from the effectivity of the law.
