PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc (Smart) is ramping up its rollout of assisted SIM Registration booths and touchpoints across the country, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCA) identified by the Philippine government.

Smart expressed its willingness to work closely with the government after the launch of Interagency Response Center for SIM Registration and the formation of National Telecommunications Commission’s Technical Working Group (TWG) with other Public Telco Entities.

“We are progressively rolling out more assisted SIM Registration booths and touchpoints across the Philippines, with the help of local government units, to reach those with special needs, people with disabilities, and those still using basic phones and devices,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart. “All this while we await further guidance from the TWG on where we go next, prioritizing customers located in GIDCA”

Smart opens SIM Registration portal for Smart and TNT subscribers
Smart sets up booths for SIM registration

As of 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 9, some 7,295,046 Smart Prepaid, Smart Bro, and TNT subscribers; 349,948 Postpaid users; and 106,508 corporate customers, or a total of 7.75 million subscribers had registered their SIMs on the Smart network.

Smart had earlier announced the availability of a wide network of assisted SIM Registration booths and touchpoints across the country, as part of its effort to facilitate SIM Registration for its customers, particularly those residing outside Metro Manila.

The government’s GIDCA database lists about 39,753 barangays across the country.

“Smart’s commitment is there will be no one left behind, wherever they are in the country, whether they are in the islands or in the uplands. We will do our best to ensure that all Smart and TNT customers are able to comply with SIM Registration,” Yang ended.