Mindanaotoday.com | NTC-10: Register your SIM cards to avoid scams, threats
By: Glacetene Kayl Daba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the rise of fraudulent scams and threats sent through text messages, the National Telecommunications Commission-10 (NTC-10) encourages nationwide users to register SIM cards before April 26, 2023.
“The purpose of this law is to ensure safety and protection of our subscribers,” Engr. Vixter Abaday of NTC-10 said during the Lambo Dyes radio program, January 13.
The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, also known as RA 11934, took effect on December 27, 2022, and requires all mobile subscribers to register within 180 days after Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed the bill into law.
“So as of now, out of 170 million subscribers, as of January 12, 2023, there are only 18.5 million who are registered, which is around 11% only. So there’s still less people who are registered, only 11% nationwide,” he said.
Abaday also mentioned that the DICT regulations state that if there are still a majority of users who aren’t able to register on or before April 26, then it is possible that there would be an extension for another 120 days.
He also responded to concerns about data privacy, the deactivation or loss of registered SIM cards, and the inability to access an internet connection.
“Telecom companies collect the data and are authorized to handle it; no person or government agency is authorized to handle or collect your data. The telcos are the only ones allowed to collect and store the data,” he said adding that there are corresponding penalties of offenses given to those who violate the regulations together with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
As for any loss or changes of SIM information, Abaday said users need to inform the NTC or telcos for immediate action.
Despite difficulties encountered, NTC continues to urge users to register before April 26 in order to avoid heavy traffic on websites and deactivation of SIM cards for existing subscribers. (GKD | PIA-10)
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