PLDT's wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues its preparations for SIM registration as it awaits the details of the SIM Registration Law's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

"In coordination with our counterparts in other Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) Smart is working with the National Telecommunications Commission and key regulators and government agencies in the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the SIM Registration Law, which is necessary for the orderly and effective implementation of our SIM Registration Law and to guide PTEs like Smart in the preparation of their platforms and over-all processes," Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory of Smart Communication, Inc. (“Smart”) said.

"With access to the internet already a fundamental human right, Smart is committed to enable Filipinos across the country with fast and reliable mobile data connectivity.  It is the paramount interest of Smart to ensure that the implementation of the SIM Registration Law will be easy and convenient for subscribers and will not deprive subscribers of their right to connectivity," Francis Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group - Individual at Smart said.

Flores added that Smart's preparations over the past months have included studying best global practices and technology solutions from other countries that have already implemented SIM registration.

Alongside their support for SIM registration, Smart and parent company PLDT's long-standing consumer protection initiatives include measures aimed at curbing mobile phone-aided criminal activities such as text scams.

In addition to blocking SIMs that send ‘smishing’ messages, Smart has also blocked Uniform Resource Locators (URL) linked to these illegal activities.

In 2021, PLDT and Smart invested nearly ?3 billion in cybersecurity infrastructure to help safeguard the public against emerging cyberthreats, vulnerabilities, and other online criminal activities. Catherine Cueto