Real-name registration for SIM cards to take effect tomorrow

　　The Government reminds Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card users to register their SIM cards starting from tomorrow (March 1) in accordance with the Telecommunications (Registration of SIM Cards) Regulation (the Regulation).

　　The Regulation took effect on September 1 last year to implement the Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards (Real-name Registration Programme). The Real-name Registration Programme is applicable to all SIM cards issued by telecommunications operators of Hong Kong to be used for local person-to-person communications (including those SIM cards for voice, data and/or SMS services). New SIM cards, including SIM service plan (SSP) services and pre-paid SIM (PPS) cards issued from tomorrow will need to complete real-name registration before activation. Existing PPS card users are required to complete real-name registration with respective telecommunications operators on or before February 23, 2023; otherwise those PPS cards will be rendered deactivated after the aforementioned deadline. Existing SSP users are not required to re-register unless they change to another telecommunications operator or subscribe to a new phone number.

　　Real-name registration is easy, convenient and fast. SIM card users can follow the instructions of the registration notification as sent out by respective telecommunications operators via SMS messages or other means to complete registration via different channels, including retail shops, mobile applications or websites of the telecommunications operators. Individual users are required to provide their name, date of birth, Hong Kong identity (HKID) card number and an HKID card copy for registration. Registration of SIM cards by users aged below 16 requires the endorsement of an adult aged 18 or above, and the personal information of that adult will need to be registered at the same time. Corporate users are required to provide business registration information and designate a responsible person with the personal information of that person to be provided. Under the Real-name Registration Programme, each individual user and each corporate user may register no more than 10 PPS cards and 25 PPS cards respectively with each telecommunications operator. There is no upper limit on the number of registrable SSP cards. For details of the Real-name Registration Programme, please refer to the poster (Annex I) and pamphlet (Annex II), visit the website (www.ofca.gov.hk/simreg) or call the hotline (2961 6699).

　　As some users, especially the elderly, might need assistance during the registration process, the Government is collaborating with various government departments, social welfare organisations and telecommunications operators to assist groups in need to complete real-name registration through multiple channels within the specified period. Real-name registration platforms established by telecommunications operators are simple and easy to use. The Government also encourages telecommunications operators to assist users in need at their retail shops and incentivise users to complete real-name registration early.

　　The Government will closely monitor the registration progress and enhance corresponding support as and when needed, thereby ensuring users can complete real-name registration for their PPS cards within the specified period in accordance with the Regulation.

Ends/Monday, February 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:00