Smart, TNT forge ahead in Ntc-led SIM registration set up in remote areas

SMART Communications, Inc. (Smart) and value brand TNT welcomed customers over the weekend at the assisted SIM Registration booth deployed at the Municipal Court of Calumpit, Bulacan. The setup is part of the three-day, nationwide roadshow organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), to boost SIM Registration and reach far-flung areas where mobile customers are.

DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo said, "Ginagawa po namin ang SIM registration, para makasiguro na ang ating mga kababayan sa labas ng Metro Manila, ay makapagparehistro ng kanilang mga SIM. Kasama po natin ang mga telco at iba't - ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, na katuwang ng DICT at NTC sa layuning ito. Napakaimportante ng SIM registration. Ito ang unang batas na nilagdaan ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, at layunin nito na protektahan tayo laban sa masasamang loob.”

Alex Caeg, SVP and head of Consumer Sales at PLDT and Smart added, "Alam po natin na itong SIM registration law ay pinatupad nung isang taon, binigyan po tayo ng ilang buwan para makumpleto ang registration. Alam din po natin na milyonmilyon nang mga tao ang nakumpleto ang kanilang pag register, at marami pa rin po ang naghihintay ng deadline. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Smart sa DILG, DICT at NTC, we have rolled out SIM registration centers nationwide kung saan matutulungan natin ang mga tao na makapag-register at maiwasan ang mga problema tulad ng scamming at phishing at mahalaga po sana na lahat ay mag comply ng mas maaga."

As of January 27, Smart and TNT assisted SIM Registration booths are now operating in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; in Moalboal, Cebu; in Palo, Leyte; Pangantucan, Bukidnon; in Malalag, Davao del Sur; Calumpit, Bulacan’ Rosario, Batangas; Atok, Benguet; Camalaniugan, Cagayan; Zamboanga City; Baco, Oriental Mindoro; City of Ligao, Albay; Carles, Iloilo; Arakan, Cotabato; and Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. Smart and TNT personnel in the booths are also providing a priority lane for seniors, for persons with disabilities, and for those using basic phones, making SIM Registration as inclusive as possible. Photo shows Atty. Ella Blanca Lopez, OIC Commissioner at the NTC, receiving a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Glorime Faustino of Calumpit, Bulacan, together with leaders from Smart, DICT, DILG, other public telecommunication entities, and other members of the inter-agency committee on remote areas registration.