What Happens If You Don’t Complete the New Telecom Verification Process in the Philippines
Failing to complete the telecom verification process in the Philippines results in permanent SIM deactivation, loss of access to essential digital services, and complete disconnection from mobile communication. The government mandates registration under Republic Act No. 11934, and telecom companies like Globe enforce it strictly. Users who did not complete the Globe sim registration process or equivalent through other providers are now facing full service loss, including calls, texts, data, and linked accounts.
SIM Registration Is Mandatory by Law
The Philippine government implemented the SIM Registration Act to stop scams, fraud, and fake identities connected to mobile numbers. The law makes it compulsory for all mobile users—prepaid or postpaid—to register using personal details such as name, birthday, gender, ID, and selfie. Users must complete registration online or at designated booths, failing which their SIMs are permanently blocked.
Service Disruption Begins Immediately
Once the deadline set by the National Telecommunications Commission passes, telcos start cutting off services. Users who have not verified their SIM experience loss of signal. Outgoing and incoming calls stop working, data disappears, and SMS becomes unavailable. These restrictions are not temporary. Telcos do not offer reactivation for unregistered SIMs.
Loss of Access to Banking and Digital Wallets
The Philippines has a large population using mobile numbers to access GCash, Maya, BDO, BPI, and other financial platforms. Without a registered SIM, users stop receiving OTPs (One-Time Passwords), login messages, or transaction alerts. E-wallet access becomes impossible, and users cannot send, receive, or withdraw funds through mobile apps linked to the deactivated number.
No Emergency Alerts During Disasters
Agencies like the NDRRMC send SMS alerts during typhoons, earthquakes, or national emergencies. These messages are only sent to active SIMs. Once a SIM is deactivated, users will not receive early warnings or evacuation notices. In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, not getting such alerts can be dangerous for individuals and families.
Communication Breaks for OFW Families
Millions of Filipinos rely on mobile numbers to communicate with family members working abroad. When SIMs go inactive, this lifeline is broken. OFWs can’t reach their family through SMS, Messenger, or Viber. Money sent through mobile banking or GCash remains unconfirmed. Unregistered SIMs cause distress and delays in critical communication between loved ones.
Impact on Students and Online Learners
Students depending on mobile data for online classes, Google Meet, Zoom, or Canvas are hit hard. Without a registered SIM, they lose internet access needed for lectures, exams, and digital learning platforms. For many students, especially in rural areas without Wi-Fi, SIM deactivation means an abrupt stop in their education.
Small Business Owners Lose Customers
Many small businesses use prepaid numbers for customer calls, delivery coordination, and social media contact. Once the number is deactivated, new and repeat customers cannot reach the business owner. Sales slow down, messages get lost, and a business built on mobile communication begins to fail. Restoring service requires starting over with a new SIM and updating all listings and contacts.
Why People Fail to Register
Some Filipinos are unable to register due to lack of valid ID, poor internet access, disability, old age, or confusion about how to do it. Although telcos and barangay halls provided assistance through walk-in booths and mobile registration trucks, many still missed the deadlines. Unfortunately, no exemptions are granted after the final cutoff.
Step-by-Step Disconnection Process
Telecom companies followed a phased approach to cut off non-registered SIMs. First, users received daily text warnings. Next, partial disconnections were applied, blocking outgoing calls or texts. Finally, full deactivation occurred, leaving the SIM permanently unusable. At that point, even customer service agents cannot help recover the number.
tm sim registration portal and Proof of Compliance
Users of TM (Touch Mobile) were directed to the tm sim registration portal where they needed to fill out forms and upload a valid ID to complete their registration. Once successful, they were issued a unique confirmation number which served as evidence of verified status. Anyone without this proof was considered non-compliant and faced automatic disconnection. The portal was part of TM’s commitment to making the process easier, especially for younger users on prepaid plans.
Unregistered SIMs Invite Legal Trouble
Some people turned to black-market SIMs to avoid registration. These SIMs were untraceable, unverified, and often used for scams. However, using or selling unregistered SIMs is illegal. Under the SIM Registration Act, violators may face fines, imprisonment, or both. Telcos have also been instructed to immediately report suspicious activity.
Can You Still Register After Being Deactivated?
No. Once your SIM is deactivated due to non-registration, it cannot be restored. You’ll need to buy a new SIM card, register it with a valid ID, and notify everyone of your new number. Bank accounts, social media apps, and online subscriptions all need to be updated. For long-time users, this is not just frustrating but risky, especially if old numbers are tied to forgotten logins.
Business, Education, and Healthcare All Affected
The effects of SIM deactivation aren’t just personal. Digital businesses, home-based sellers, and freelancers all lose access to apps and marketplaces. Students can’t attend school online. Patients relying on SMS reminders for checkups or lab results lose communication with doctors or clinics. Every part of society is impacted by a missing SIM verification.
Legal Accountability Lies With the User
Under Republic Act No. 11934, the responsibility to register lies solely with the user. Telcos must follow government orders to cut off non-compliant numbers. A user cannot claim damages for losing service if they ignored registration warnings. Legal action against the provider is not allowed in these cases.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Completing SIM registration is a matter of digital survival. Missing the deadline cuts you off from banks, apps, families, work, school, and emergency help. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying connected and protected. In today’s mobile-first world, your SIM is your identity. Register it or lose it.
