What happens if you miss the SIM registration's April 26 deadline?
You only have until Wednesday, April 26, to register your SIM card—whether it's for short message services, voice, and data; embedded SIMS or eSIMs; or those used for data-only or fixed wireless broadband.
It's in accordance with the SIM Card Registration Act, signed into law last October 2022. Since taking into effect on Dec. 27, 2022, everybody has had 180 days to comply.
The first few days of registration weren't as smooth sailing, as there were reported issues in the telco's websites. The situation had since improved in the following weeks, though the number of registered subscribers is still considerably low.
The National Telecommunications Commission said that as of April 20, only 75.5 million out of 168 million SIMs, or 45%, have been registered.
Globe, Smart, and DITO have asked for an extension to the deadline—even as they launched promos and campaigns to encourage registration—but the Department of Information and Communications Technology announced on April 19 that there will be none.
So what happens to subscribers who would miss the April 26 deadline?
No more incoming and outgoing texts or calls
One may no longer make or take calls or texts when their SIM gets deactivated, losing its signal and forfeiting its load balance.
This will pose challenges in reaching out to family and friends.
Important SMS updates from government agencies, such as regarding benefits and loans, will also be missed.
Having a deactivated SIM would also mean concerns in communicating with colleagues and employers. This is especially crucial for those who are looking for a job, as the recruiter may not be able to reach out to the applicant.
No more mobile data and prepaid WiFi
Since a non-registered SIM will be deactivated, one won't be able to surf the internet or browse through social media anymore.
Zero internet access, especially when outdoors, can be a real hassle since it means missing the news or even showbiz updates.
No more OTP
A deactivated SIM also results in failing to receive one-time passwords or OTP, which is mostly required in making transactions via e-wallets and online banking nowadays.
One would have to go to their respective banks or bayad centers just to make transactions.
This will also be cumbersome when logging on to one's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media apps and websites.
Moreover, one may encounter troubles accessing their emails.
Though there may be a workaround in which no OTPs will be required upon login, the extra steps may just be time-consuming.
Reactivation after five days
Mind, however, that one's SIM won't be perpetually deactivated upon missing the April 26 deadline.
The law's implementing rules and regulations state that there will be an automatic deactivation, but the subscriber will still be given a grace period of up to five days to finally register. If the subscriber misses this, then their SIM will be perpetually deactivated and they will have to buy a new one, which they have to register from the get-go.
The IRR also states that there may be an extension of up to 120 days, though the DICT has already given its word.
The SIM Card Registration Act reportedly aims to curb disinformation, anonymous online defamation, trolling, and libel, among others, and prevent terrorism, text scams, and bank fraud.
The original bill passed by the 18th Congress was supposed to be signed last April 2022, but former president Rodrigo Duterte vetoed it due to a provision that also required social media registration, in which users must go by their real names. Duterte cited the need for a "more thorough study" amid individual privacy and free speech concerns.