The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered Philippine mobile operators to verify subscribers with more than 100 SIMs registered under one name, according to the Daily Tribune. This is the NTC SIM verification drive, announced on Oct. 28, 2026.
Operators have 15 days to run the checks, counted from when each one receives the memorandum order. The NTC says properly registered subscribers who use their SIMs lawfully are not the intended targets, so the order is aimed at unusually large registrations.
TechPipino has not seen the memorandum itself. Details such as how the count is applied and how each carrier will notify subscribers are still unconfirmed.
Who is affected?
The reported focus is accounts with more than 100 mobile numbers registered to one person’s name. Having several SIMs is not illegal by itself. The Tribune notes that the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) does not cap how many SIMs one person may register.
Reports do not say whether the 100-SIM threshold is counted per operator or across all networks. They also do not describe a process for businesses or other account arrangements.
People who use a SIM registered under someone else’s name could also be affected, especially if the number is tied to a banking app, e-wallet or online payments.
What will operators check?
Operators must run stricter know-your-customer checks. They need to confirm that the registered user still has possession and control of every SIM under the name, and that the SIMs serve legitimate purposes.
The 15 days is a period for operators, not a confirmed single deadline for every subscriber. Receipt dates and each carrier’s steps have not been published.
Can a SIM be deactivated?
Yes. According to the Tribune, a SIM is deactivated when the registered owner cannot show continued possession, control and legitimate use. NTC Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said that once such numbers are deactivated, it is permanent.
The exception reported is a person who proves, with a valid ID, that the SIM is registered to them personally. The notice, appeal and restoration steps are not detailed, so ask your operator through official support channels if you receive a verification notice.
| Question | What is reported | Still unconfirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | More than 100 SIMs under one name | Per operator or across all networks |
| Time limit | 15 days for operators, from receipt of the memorandum | Receipt dates and any subscriber deadline |
| Result of a failed check | Deactivation, described as permanent | Notice, appeal and restoration steps |
| SIM limit per person | No numerical cap in the SIM Registration Act | How the new order will be applied |
What subscribers can do
Check the registration details of the numbers you personally use with your mobile operator. Pay particular attention to any number tied to banking, an e-wallet or account recovery. If a SIM you rely on is registered under someone else’s name, ask the carrier about its current process.
Be careful with unexpected messages about SIM verification. Contact the carrier through its official app, website or verified hotline before you reply, and never share one-time passwords with someone who contacts you unprompted.
For related account-safety context, see our guide to GCash unauthorized transactions and our explainer on fake payment receipt scams.
Frequently asked questions
Is having 100 SIMs automatically illegal?
Not on its own. The reported focus is on more than 100 SIMs under one name, and the SIM Registration Act does not set a numerical limit. A high count triggers extra checks. It is not proof of wrongdoing.
Do all subscribers have 15 days to respond?
No. The 15 days applies to operators, counted from when they receive the memorandum. No single deadline for all subscribers has been reported, so check any notice with your carrier.
Can a deactivated SIM be restored?
The Tribune reports that deactivation is permanent unless the person proves with a valid ID that the SIM is registered in their own name. The detailed process has not been published.
Why it matters
A mobile number can be tied to bank accounts, e-wallets and security codes. Accurate registration matters for numbers you depend on every day. Subscribers also need clear carrier instructions and a way to verify any request before they hand over personal information.
