THE three telco operators in the Philippines welcomed the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Law, saying that they are now preparing for the law’s full implementation.
Globe Telecom Inc. President Ernest L. Cu and Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group-Individual Francis E. Flores said their groups are separately launching their online SIM registration platform.
“Globe is proud to be part of the technical working group that crafted the IRR, which we hope will pave the way for an orderly and timely SIM registration for all SIM users. We will continue our close collaboration with the government to ensure full implementation of the SIM Registration Act to achieve our shared goal of stopping cybercrime, including SIM-aided fraud,” Cu said.
Flores said Smart is ready to implement new processes in compliance with the law.
“We are ready to roll out our SIM Registration processes after months of preparations, which have included, among others, studying best global practices and technology solutions from other countries that have already implemented SIM registration. We will release more information about the SIM registration portal via our official channels in the next few weeks,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dito Telecommunity Corp. Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano reiterated Dito’s commitment to be compliant with the new law, which seeks to reduce text scams.
“We support this important initiative of the government to protect the public from phishing and similar types of fraudulent activities. We will do our level best to make the registration process as simple and painless as possible for new Dito subscribers and our 14 million existing customers,” he said.
The IRR, crafted by the National Telecommunications Commission in consultation with the telco industry, has gone through public hearing.
It is expected to lay down the SIM registration procedure and guidelines that all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) must follow in creating their respective registration platforms.
The IRR is expected to take effect on December 27.
“Our goal is to have a SIM registration process that is seamless, secure, inclusive and convenient for our customers,” he said.
Cu also said Globe has existing customers who are currently not using smartphones and may not be digital savvy. Globe shall put in place a special assistance process for these customers so they can go through the registration as well.
With connectivity being crucial to powering the Philippine economy’s resurgence, Flores said Smart is committed “to ensure that the implementation of the SIM Registration Law will be easy and convenient for subscribers and will not deprive subscribers of their right to connectivity.”