It’s a SIMple problem, isn’t it?

INQ7 reports a strange phenomenon in the telecoms policy landscape — something in the order of the sun rising in the West.  A consumer group, TXT Power,  the telcos, and even some Congressmen, actually agree on something.  That thing is mandatory SIM registration. 

Apparently, Congress is considering legislation that will require all pre-paid cellphone users to register their contact information as a condition for providing service.  The consumer group, TXT Power, says this is a violation of the consumer’s right to privacy.  The telcos say, this is a costly process that will eat up into their meager resources and translate into higher costs for consumers.  Some congressment say, this is an administrative nightmare that shouldn’t be imposed on the NTC.

Despite this strange phenomenon, I have to say that I disagree with all of them.

First, the consumer privacy point is a strange one to make.  We regularly give personal information to service providers, credit card companies, banks, or just about anyone we do business with.  This disclosure per se does not constitute a breach of one’s privacy.  TXT Power’s opposition to the registration process isn’t directed at the registration itself but at their apprehensions against the telcos whom they fear will tap into their cellphone lines to listen in on their anti-telco discussions.  Well, if that’s their concern, they should amend the Anti-Wiretapping Law or insert a provision in the bill.

Second,  the additional resources issue raised by the telcos is likewise invalid.  Already, the telcos are spending money to try to identify their customers.  They do this via promos that require SIM holders to register their names, addresses and “suking tindahan.”  The resources isn’t really that great.  All it takes is a computer and a couple of hard drives.  The software’s already there. What additional cost could there be?  More to the point, does this cost outweigh the good that will come from requiring registration?  I don’t think so. 

Third,  the congressmen are wrong if they think the NTC will handle the registration process.  They never have.  The NTC doesn’t have a record of every land line subscriber in the Philippines.  That information and the gathering process is undertaken by the telcos since they need it for billing purposes.  So, the congressment are off the mark, too.

Here’s what we have to consider — the GSM network was designed to avoid anonymity.  Each cellphone unit has a unique number and each SIM has a unique identifier.  Link those two (2) pieces of information to an identity and the telco is in a position to know about the use of the cellphone.  This information is critical when kidnappers use cellphones to make ransom demands or communicate with victim families.  It can save lives and prevent crime.

In fact, the use of cellphones in criminal activities is faciliated by the anonymity provided by pre-paid phone cards.  SIM registration is a responsible policy response to a very specific problem.  So far, none of the oppositors have proposed alternatives or better policy responses.  In that case, the bill should become law.