If you’re a mobile user in the Philippines, you might have heard of the SIM Registration Act (SRA), also known as Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM card law⁴. This is a law that requires all new subscribers to register their SIM card prior to activation, and for existing subscribers to avoid deactivation⁵. The law aims to strengthen protection from spam and scam messages, as well as prevent crimes involving mobile devices³.
Sounds good, right? Well, not so fast. The law also comes with some challenges and inconveniences that might make you want to smash your phone against the wall. Here are some of them:
- You need a valid government ID to register your SIM card. This means you have to dig up your passport, driver’s license, voter’s ID, or any other acceptable ID from your pile of documents. If you don’t have one, you have to apply for one first, which can take weeks or months³.
- You need to take a selfie and upload it along with your ID. This means you have to look presentable and find good lighting and angle for your photo. If you’re not photogenic or camera-shy, this can be a nightmare¹.
- You need to access the SIM registration website or app of your network provider. This means you have to download an app or use a browser on your phone or computer. If you don’t have internet access or data load, this can be a hassle¹².
- You need to enter your personal information and wait for confirmation. This means you have to type in your name, birthday, gender, address, nationality, and other details on a form. If you make a mistake or encounter an error, you have to start over again¹².
- You need to do this before April 26th 2023 if you’re an existing subscriber. This means you have only two months left before the deadline. If you miss it, your SIM card will be deactivated and you’ll lose your number¹.
So how do you register your SIM card without losing your mind? Here are some tips:
- Plan ahead and prepare your ID and selfie beforehand. Don’t wait until the last minute and rush everything.
- Choose a time when there’s less traffic on the website or app. Avoid peak hours when everyone else is trying to register their SIM cards too.
- Follow the instructions carefully and double-check everything before submitting. Don’t skip any steps or fields.
- Keep your reference number as proof of registration. Don’t delete it or lose it.
- If possible, go for assisted registration at designated sites near you. There are some locations where network representatives can help you register your SIM card personally¹. Check out this list for more details.
There you go! Hopefully, these tips will help you register your SIM card in the Philippines without losing your mind.
(1) SIM Registration Act – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_Registration_Act Accessed 3/22/2023.
(2) SIM Registration – DITO Telecommunity. https://dito.ph/sim-registration Accessed 3/22/2023.
(3) SIM Registration Act in the Philippines: What You Need to Know. https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/sim-registration-act-philippines/ Accessed 3/22/2023.
(4) Globe SIM Registration – globe.com.ph. https://www.globe.com.ph/register-sim-card.html Accessed 3/22/2023.
(5) Smart SIM Registration. https://simreg.smart.com.ph/ Accessed 3/22/2023.
