THE 2G shutdown is ongoing while the 3G networks are on track to be phased out by the end of September as part of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) efforts to stamp out illegal activities that use the two technologies.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said both DITO Telecommunity (DITO) and Globe Telecom (Globe) have already phased out 3G networks, while Smart Communications (Smart) has committed to phasing out 3G by the end of the month.
“Why is that important? Kasi ‘yung mga tinatawag nating IMSI catcher, the one that grabs your cellphone details and the one that hackers and scammers use to fool you, will be reduced,” Aguda said in a press conference in Makati City on Friday night, September 19.
On the other hand, DITO currently has no 2G network while both Globe and Smart have agreed to collaborate with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the DICT on phasing out the network.
“Everybody is cooperating. And ito ‘yung effort namin na pagdating ng Pasko, sana you can transact without fear on the internet. Kasi medyo malilinis na ‘yan,” he said.
Before meeting the reporters, Aguda, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Aboy Paraiso, and other government executives met with representatives of telcos and social media platforms to secure their support in proper enforcement against online harms.
These include online misinformation, the selling of illegal items, child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, and many more.
Paraiso said the government is “happy” with the agreement with the telcos and social media platforms, especially with their immediate response.
“Mas mabilis na kooperasyon, mabilis na responses, whether it comes to take downs from social media platforms, the blocking from the telcos,” he said.
He added that responses to lawful orders have also improved, especially in blocking scam numbers and gathering information on the mobile numbers involved in illegal activities. (PNA)
