Heads up! Starting December 27, all SIM card holders, whether new or existing, are required to register their numbers with their telco provider.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on December 12 issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration law or the Republic Act No. 11934.

In October, the law was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., mandating all Filipinos, who are using cellular services, to register their SIM cards to prevent scams and other crimes which are relevant nowadays.

From the effectivity of the law, subscribers will be given 180 days to register their SIM cards which may be extended by up to 120 days.

New users

Starting December 27, new SIM cards will be sold in 'deactivated mode,' but the registration is free. In the registration, SIMs, embedded SIMs, broadband modems, and internet-of-things devices are already covered.

A registration form will be provided and the user will fill it out electronically through a secured website provided by the telco provider.

Any of the following identification cards or documents with a photo can be presented:

• Passport
• Philippine Identification System ID
• SSS ID
• GSIS ID
• Driver’s license
• NBI clearance
• Police clearance
• Firearms’ license to own and possess ID
• PRC ID
• IBP ID
• OWWA ID
• BIR ID
• Voter’s ID
• Senior citizen card
• UMID
• PWD card
• Any valid government-issued ID with a photo

For SIM cards used for businesses or organizations, the following information are required:

• Business name
• Business address
• Full name of authorized signatory

Foreigners

Note: If holding a tourist visa, the SIM card will only have a validity of 30 days, which may need a request for an extension if the visa also extends.

Minors

SIM card holders who are minors will have their SIM registered under their parents' names.

Existing prepaid users

Meanwhile, existing prepaid users will need to use their respective telco's website to register, like new subscribers.

All existing SIMs need to register within 180 days from the effectivity of the law and can be extended by 120 days.

Postpaid subscribers

Even if telcos already have data of postpaid subscribers, a confirmation is required to confirm their information and data included in the SIM register through the platform or website provided by the telco provider.

Lost SIM card

Remote areas

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, and all telcos will facilitate SIM registration in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

Stolen SIMs

The user must need to inform the respective telco provider of the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Birthday
• Mobile number
• Other relevant and reasonable information that can fully establish ownership of the SIM

Changes

If changes are needed, such as the address or name, users must inform their telco providers. The changes must reflect within two hours from receipt of such requests.

Failure to register your SIM card will face the following penalties:

• First offense: Fine from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000
• Second offense: Fine from ₱300,000 to ₱500,000
• Third and subsequent offense: Fine from ₱500,000 to P1,000,000 for every offense

Selling or transferring your registered SIM card without first complying with the registration requirement, or providing false information to register your SIM card, warrants imprisonment for six months to two years or/and a fine from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000.

Moreover, if you use your registered SIM card to spread inaccurate information to defraud, you will face imprisonment of no less than six years, or/and a fine of ₱200,0000.