Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), which is composed of network providers is seeing a spike in the number of mobile users switching networks after SIM registration began in December 2022.

According to TCI, SIM registration is helping drive Mobile Number Portability (MNP) among mobile users citing double-digit growth. TCI’s data show 28% more mobile users availed themselves of MNP in January 2023, compared to the same period last year, that is 26% more porting activity observed in December 2022.

“We can only attribute this spike in MNP to the intention of mobile users to keep their number, even as they make the move to the subscription or network they wish to permanently register under their name under the SIM Registration Law,” Melanie Arsua-Manuel, general manager, TCI. “This is how the convenience of MNP and the protection provided by SIM registration, complement and reinforce each other.”

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TCI was formed as a joint venture among DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom Inc., and Smart Communications in 2021 to facilitate MNP. MNP provides Filipinos the option to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions from prepaid to postpaid, or vice versa.

Republic Act (RA) 11934, or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, regulates the use of SIM cards by mandating all end-users to register their SIMs under their name, with the ultimate goal of curbing the proliferation of text scams and other mobile phone-aided criminal activities. 

The Department of Information and Technology (DICT) reports that SIM Registration has been completed for 32,062,265 SIMs as of 12 February 2023, 11:59 PM. Based on records provided by the public telecommunication entities (PTEs), the total number is 18.97% of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide. The DICT, along with the National Telecommunications Commission has urged all subscribers to register their SIMs on or before April 26, 2023, or risk deactivation of their SIMs.

“We believe that SIM registration will help ensure a more stable and secure ICT environment for Filipinos and provide online safety from scammers, threat,s and fraudulent elements,” Manuel said. “Now that your SIM card has become attached to your identity, you can also choose to have the correct subscription and network provider that will be best for you and your needs, through MNP. It is free, fast, and easy to avail of MNP.”