Authorities studying proposal to deactivate apps, services for unregistered SIM users

Authorities are studying the proposal to deactivate access of unregistered SIM users to phone apps and services.

File photo: SIM card

Encouraging SIM users to register their number

Speaking to CNN Philippines, NTC deputy commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan said they already reached out to telcos to look into how they could encourage unregistered subscribers to list their numbers.

We are closely coordinating that with the telcos and studying that thoroughly if that is legally and technically feasible and if we have enough time to implement it if and when it is found to be legally and technically feasible, he said.

Information and Communications Technology Sec. Ivan Uy earlier said they are discussing with telcos the possibility of limiting the access of unregistered SIM users to some services during the 90-day extension granted by the government for the mandatory registration of cards.

Salvahan said if this will be approved, the telcos are responsible for its implementation.

A final study or resolution may be released this week until next week, he noted.

Smart said in a statement that it may be difficult to implement the proposal.

With regards to the gradual deactivation being evaluated by the DICT, the discussions among the DICT, the NTC, and the mobile network operators are still ongoing. Our initial assessment is that it would be difficult for us to implement due to time constraints, said Cathy Yang, first vice president and head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

According to NTC, 87.4 million SIMs have been registered so far. This is 52 percent of the 168 million active SIMs in the country.

Salvahan said the NTC hopes to register around 110 million by the time the process ends in July.

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Via: CNN Philippines