Philipines Lawmaker Wants To Require Registration For Prepaid SIM Cards

Rozzano Rufino Biazon of Lone District, Muntinlupa Philipineshas authored a new bill that will require citizens that purchase a prepaid SIM card to register the card in an effort to curb cell phone theft and illegal use of the handheld devices.

In filing the bill, Biazon noted that although mobile phone units have become indispensable communication tools to everyone, some unscrupulous individuals have used them to commit crimes.

Among those who have used cell phones to commit crimes are syndicates engaged in illegal drugs, smuggling, extortion, kidnapping, and other crimes, and lately, even groups seeking to sow panic, have used cellular phones to further their ends with minimal, or no risk of being caught, Biazon said.

The proposed bill will require all users/purchasers of pre-paid SIM cards and mobile phone units to be properly identified and they must have a verified address. This information will then be filed with the Public Telecommunications Entities.

If the bill is passed, all consumers that buy a prepaid SIM card must register their handset and SIM card serial number with their corresponding PTE within three months or the phone will be deactivated, rendering it useless.

Public Telecommunication Entities that fail to comply with the legislation (upon it being passed) will be subject to a fine of $6,486 for the first offense and increase to $21,618 for additional violations.

AHN