Port Moresby, Thursday 12 March 2026
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has officially concluded its nationwide consultation on the Draft SIM Card Registration (Amendment and Consolidation) Regulation 2026.
The consultation, which began in December 2025 and included workshops with telecommunications operators, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and members of the public, will now inform the finalization of the regulation under the National ICT Act 2009.
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr stated that the consultation process was announced by the Ministry on the 3rd Decem ber 2025 and officially commenced by NICTA on 17th December 2025 with a duration to 31st January 2026.
“The Consultation was further extended by one month to 28th February 2026. In addition, a consultation workshop was held on the 23rd and 24th at the Gateway Hotel Conference Room and involved telecommunications operators, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and members of the public,” Minister Tsiamalili explained.
The updated framework is designed to align SIM card registration with the National Digital Identity Policy 2025 and the rollout of SevisPass.
The Acting Minister said the review is central to strengthening national security and digital trust.
“The objective of the updated regulation is to ensure that all SIM card users in Papua New Guinea are uniquely and reliably identifiable, while strengthening national security, consumer protection, and compliance with national data governance and cybersecurity policies,” he stated.
Under the proposed framework, all adult subscribers will be required to hold a valid SevisPass Digital ID, while minors will be registered under SevisPass-Minor or Dependent SIM arrangements linked to a parent or guardian. Identity verification will be conducted through electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) services using the SevisWallet App and SevisDEx interoperability platform.
Minister Tsiamalili urged telecommunications operators to begin technical integration with the SevisPass ecosystem immediately.
“To ensure a smooth transition across the telecommunications sector and to avoid disruption to consumers, I anticipate that NICTA will implement the regulation through a phased enforcement approach,” he explained.
“This will allow citizens sufficient time to obtain their SevisPass Digital ID and link their SIM cards, while ensuring operators are technically prepared to support the new regulatory framework.”
The rollout of SevisPass and SevisWallet marks a milestone in PNG’s digital transformation journey. Citizens will be able to securely verify their identity online, access government services, and manage trusted digital credentials through a single national platform.
Minister Tsiamalili encouraged early enrolment: “I encourage all Papua New Guineans to download the SevisWallet App and begin enrolling for their SevisPass Digital ID. Early enrolment will ensure that citizens are ready to comply with the upcoming SIM card registration requirements and will allow them to begin accessing the growing range of digital services.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to digital inclusion and security, noting that the reform will help combat cybercrime, scams, and the misuse of anonymous SIM cards. “This reform forms part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen digital trust and support the development of a secure and inclusive digital economy in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Further announcements will be made once the regulation progresses through the formal gazettal process.
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