The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Monday issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration law or Republic Act No. 11934 which will take effect starting December 27.

According to the rules, all old and new mobile cellular phone users must register their SIM cards within 180 days. Failure to comply will result in automatic deactivation.

"The deactivated SIM may only be reactivated after registration; provided, however, that reactivation shall be made not later than five (5) days after such automatic deactivation," NTC said.

The Commission said wireless broadband modems, machine-to-machine communications, and IoT (internet of things) devices are also mandated to register.

The SIM registration will be done on an online platform or website provided by telcos.

Subscribers will be asked to provide their full name, date of birth, sex, present/official address, type of ID, and ID number.

Juridicial end users have to give their business name, business address, and the full name of the authorized signatory.

Meanwhile, foreign nationals who will register SIMs will be asked to present full names, nationality, date of birth, passport, and address in the Philippines.

Minor subscribers are required to register under the name of their parent or guardian and present an ID as well as show authorized consent from their parents allowing them to register SIM cards.

Those who will give false and fictitious names or information will face a penalty of imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years, or a fine ranging from Php 100,000 to Php 300,000.

Anyone who will sell or transfer SIM without complying with the required registration will also face the same penalties.