Based on the latest data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), a total of 11,219,722 SIMs have been registered (as of Jan. 2, 2023) since the registration was launched on Dec. 27, 2022.

According to the media release from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) recorded the highest number with 5,172,061 SIMs registered. This is closely followed by Globe Telecom Inc. with 5,030,649 SIMs registered. DITO Telecommunity Corp. also reported 1,017,012 SIMs registered within its system.

In 2020, there were approximately 79 million smartphone users in the Philippines, according to Statista, and this is forecast to grow to 91.5 million in 2025.

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The DICT said, the SIM registration is in compliance with the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act otherwise known as the Republic Act (RA) 11934, which aims to regulate the issuance and use of SIMs used to operate mobile phones and pocket Wi-Fi.

The DICT also hopes that the law would soon put a stop to the proliferation of spam texts and scams that have dramatically increased over the years.

Complaint center

“We are optimistic through our vigilant enforcement of the provisions of the SIM Registration Act and with the faithful compliance of the private sector, we can ensure the safety of our citizenry, and aid our efforts in pushing for a digital Philippines,” said Secretary Ivan John Uy.

Telcos have launched their own registration through websites or mobile applications. Some postpaid subscribers only have to reply to an SMS notification sent by their providers to register.

On the day of the start of the registration, the DICT also launched a 24/7 complaint center for the public to lodge their complaint if they are having issues with their registration.

“The 24/7 complaint center will serve as a support system for the implementation of the SIM registration as this will provide a platform where SIM subscribers can report their concerns or provide suggestions on how the process can be improved,” the DICT said in its media advisory.

The Complaint Center for the SIM Registration will be under the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), an attached agency of the DICT. Concerns related to SIM registration can be directed to them through hotline 1326.

Subscribers may also reach the DICT through these numbers:

• Smart: 0947 714 7105
• Globe: 0966 976 5971
• DITO: 0991 481 4225