Globe simplifies SIM registration as deadline nears

MANILA, Philippines — Wireless giant Globe Telecom Inc. has introduced another option on how to register a SIM using e-wallet GCash to ensure that all of its subscribers beat the July 25 deadline.

In an advisory, Globe said that it simplified the SIM registration process for GCash users whose accounts are fully verified by the platform.

Under the protocol, select Globe subscribers are set to receive a notification inviting them to sign up their SIM by texting “GCASH,” followed by their birthday in month, date and year format, to 8080.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said this option enables subscribers to submit their account details with GCash to Globe. They can certify that all information registered with GCash, such as name, birthday, sex, address and IDs, are accurate and up to date.

Once Globe receives the account details, registrants will receive an acknowledgement receipt in a few days.

Afterward, they will be entitled to Globe’s bonus of 1 GB worth of free data.

“Globe has always believed in the power of technology to streamline processes and enhance the customer experience (and) by providing a quick and simple way to register their SIMs, Globe is bolstering consumer security and ensuring that connectivity services will remain uninterrupted,” Cu said.

On the other hand, Smart Communications Inc. reminded its subscribers with Smart Satellite to register their SIM ahead of the July 25 deadline to keep their mobile numbers.

Smart first vice president and head of enterprise and international business groups Mitch Locsin said that SIM registration covers all kinds of mobile numbers, even those with Smart Satellite.

“As mandated by the SIM Registration Act, you also need to register your Smart Satellite SIMs. Otherwise, any unregistered satellite SIM will be deactivated after the SIM registration deadline set by the government,” Locsin said.

Smart Satellite provides wireless services like calls, e-mails and texts to areas with weak cellular and internet coverage.

As such, Smart promotes the use of Smart Satellite in communities where it is needed by critical sectors like disaster risk response, media, military and tourism.

As of July 11, telco providers have registered 61 percent, or 102.84 million of the 168.02 million SIMs across the archipelago, with Smart leading the count with 73 percent of its subscriber base enlisted, followed by Globe’s 54 percent and Dito Telecommunity Corp.’s 48 percent.

Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, requires all subscribers to register their SIM as part of efforts to eliminate the prevalence of digital fraud.