As the government is figuring out how to solve the problems regarding SIM registration, with the latest involving fake IDs used as requirements for compliance, one of the solutions the DICT is eyeing is to limit SIM registration to 10 per user.
DICT USec. Alexander Ramos explained to the press that Filipinos usually prefer to buy prepaid SIM cards because of their budget. That being said, Ramos does not see Filipinos owning more than 10 SIM cards at a time–unless they are involved in text scams. Speaking of text scams, Ramos added that they were surprised to find out that one user had 600 SIM cards registered under their name–which does not make sense.
As for the cap, the initial proposal was to limit SIM registration to 5 per user, but negotiations with telco providers increased that proposed limit to 10. The DICT, however, did not explain why they have settled for a SIM registration cap of 10 per user. A typical Filipino would have 3 SIM cards on average, or 2 SIM cards at least–one for their personal use, and one for work.
Ramos said that the DICT, telco providers, and related government agencies are working to implement the limit within a few months, so expect the DICT to release updated guidelines regarding the limit for registered SIM cards soon.
