Following the extension of the SIM Registration deadline to July 25, the DICT claims that around 96% of SIM cards have been registered. The DICT is not expecting 100% registration, so having around 96% of SIM cards registered is already good for the government as far as compliance with the SIM Registration Law is concerned.
“As of May 10, 95 million na po, magna-96 million,” DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy told Dobol B TV in an interview. “I expect mga 100 million more or less, so mga 95% to 96% na tayo.”
As for why the government is not expecting 100% registration, NTC deputy commissioner Jon Paolo Salvahan explained that the average registered subscribers in other countries that implemented SIM registration is 70%. This means that the Philippines is above average when it comes to SIM registration compliance.
Under the SIM Registration Law, those to fail to register their SIM cards will risk deactivation. Deactivated SIM cards would mean they cannot send and receive calls and texts, and that they will not have access to digital wallets and mobile apps. While we’re still around 2 months away from the July 25 deadline, DICT is also contemplating of gradually deactivating services on unregistered SIM cards.
