PNG SIM card registration 2026: Papua New Guinea is preparing to overhaul its SIM card registration system to align with the new National Digital ID Policy 2025, according to the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Acting ICT Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr. announced that NICTA will begin consultations on revised rules following the launch of the SevisPass Digital ID and the SevisWallet App at the Digital Transformation Summit 2025.
Under the new requirements, all SIM cards, whether owned by adults, teenagers, or children, must be linked to a verified SevisPass identity, with a nationwide compliance deadline set for 30 June 2026.
The reform aims to strengthen digital trust, reduce scams and fraud, and improve access to secure online and government services.
PNG SIM card registration: All SIMs to Link With SevisPass Digital ID by 2026
By: PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology
SIM card registration rules for PNG will be updated to align with the new National Digital ID Policy 2025.
1. Adults (18+): All SIMs must be linked to a SevisPass Digital ID through the SevisWallet App.
2. Teenagers (13–17): Can register SIMs under a SevisPass-Minor, connected to a parent or guardian’s account.
3. Children (0–12): SIMs must be registered as dependent accounts under a parent or guardian’s SevisPass.
4. Grace Period: From 1 January to 30 June 2026, all existing SIM holders must link their numbers to SevisPass. Unlinked SIMs will be deactivated after this date.
5. Annual Checks: Every SIM will undergo digital ID re-verification once a year.
6. Data Protection: Telcos will no longer store raw biometrics; instead, secure SevisPass tokens will be used.
Why are we doing this? The new regulation aims to:
– Clean up PNG’s SIM ecosystem
– Reduce fraud, scams, and crime
– Meet anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism obligations
– Make it easier for citizens to access government services, financial services, and more online services with a trusted PNG-owned Digital ID system.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr. said the changes will strengthen trust in mobile services while protecting privacy and giving young people a safe way to connect online.
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