Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards
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Under the Telecommunications (Registration of SIM Cards) Regulation, SIM cards issued by local telecommunications service providers for person-to-person communications in Hong Kong are required to complete real-name registration before service activation.
Full Implementation
- All SIM service plans ("SSP") and pre-paid SIM ("PPS") cards from 24 February 2023 onwards are required to complete real-name registration before service activation.
- Existing SSP users are not required to re-register with their telecommunications service providers unless they change to another service provider or subscribe to a new phone number.
- Existing PPS cards which have not been registered before the deadline of 23 February 2023 can no longer be used.
Cap on the Number of SIM Cards Registered
- PPS cards: a maximum of 10 for each individual user per telecommunications service provider, and a maximum of 25 for each corporate user per telecommunications service provider.
- SSP cards: no registration limit.
Registration Channels
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Real-name registration is easy, convenient and fast. Different telecommunications service providers will provide different registration channels, for example:
- Online registration via a mobile phone/mobile App
- Online registration by accessing the telecommunications service provider's website
- In-person registration at retail shops (applicable to telecommunications service providers who have retail outlets)
Completing Registration Using Your Own Identity
- Users shall complete the real-name registration with their own original identity documents.
- Do not purchase a registered PPS card from unknown sources in the market.
- The provision of false information and/or false document under the registration programme could constitute a criminal offence. Depending on the nature of the act and the availability of evidence, the applicable offences may include obtaining services by deception under section 18A of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) and/or using false instrument under section 73 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200). In addition, depending on the nature of the case and the availability of evidence, a person who knowingly provides a SIM card registered under his/her name to another party to facilitate the commission of an offence may be liable for, among others, aiding and abetting the commission of the relevant offence.
- OFCA and telecommunications service providers would arrange sample checks on the registered information from time to time. In case of irregularity, the users concerned should cooperate with telecommunications service providers in confirming the registered information or else the relevant PPS card will be deregistered and cannot be used afterwards. Telecommunications service providers will send the relevant SMS notifications using the sender address “SIMREG” for easy identification by users.
