Globe Telecom welcomed the release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Act for standard enforcement of the law.
The IRR, crafted by the National Telecommunications Commission in consultation with the telco industry, has also 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, 2022.
In compliance with the law, Globe will launch its online SIM registration platform and start selling new SIMs in deactivated mode. All new SIMs must be registered immediately to enjoy Globe services, while existing SIMs should be registered within 180 days or six months from the effectivity of the law.
There are an estimated 87.9 million SIM users under the Globe network.
“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,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu in a press release.
“Our goal is to have a SIM registration process that is seamless, secure, inclusive and convenient for our customers,” he said. Cu also mentioned that 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.
The passage of the SIM Registration Act is a significant step forward in fighting fraudsters who have been taking advantage of SIM use anonymity in their illicit activities.
This measure complements Globe’s long-standing fraud protection efforts, including investments in filtering systems, proactive blocking of scam and spam SMS, and data sharing partnerships with banks and other financial institutions.*