Smart Communications and DITO Telecommunity Corp. have requested a 120-day extension for SIM card registration from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) due to ongoing difficulties experienced by subscribers.
In a statement issued Thursday, DITO said the extension is necessary given that more than half of nationwide subscribers across all telecommunications companies have yet to register, potentially disenfranchising subscribers and undermining the government’s initiative.
DITO disclosed that only 30% of its 15 million subscribers have successfully registered, with many inquiries about SIM card registration-related issues.
Meanwhile, Smart emphasized in its formal request letter that extending the registration deadline would allow subscribers to obtain valid identification or proofs of identity, which are required under the Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act.
Individuals without valid identification face a greater risk of being excluded from digital, social, and financial services, as mobile communications may be their only means of accessing online information, financial services, and other social benefits, Smart added.
