The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has attributed the continued spread of text scams in the country to the ongoing use of the 2G network.
According to the agency, some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) exploit 2G technology through International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers.
DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy explained that these devices only function on networks lower than 3G.
Because of this, he emphasized the need for a timeline to phase out 2G and older mobile technologies in the Philippines.
“‘Yung IMSI catchers yung ginagamit ng mga POGO’s in order to get your or extract your calls and your texts. And to be able to blast. It actually only works on a technology that is below 3G.. We should now have a timeline to depricate, I guess to retire…,” (IMSI catchers are used by POGOs to intercept and extract calls and texts. They also use it for message blasting. These only work on technology below 3G… We should now have a timeline to deprecate, I guess to retire it) said Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
However, Dy acknowledged the potential economic impact of discontinuing the 2G network.
Meanwhile, DICT is pushing for formal discussions on the matter.
The agency stressed that the Philippines must keep pace with neighboring countries already exploring the retirement of outdated mobile technology.