Chile mandates prepaid mobile phone registration

Chile has introduced a mandatory registration system for prepaid mobile phone numbers, requiring users to link each line to their personal identity. This measure, which took effect on Thursday, aims to enhance security and accountability in telecommunications.

According to figures from the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), approximately 4.4 million prepaid users, representing about 19% of the country's mobile lines, were active as of the first quarter of 2026. For these existing lines, identity validation will be prompted during specific service interactions, such as making a recharge or purchasing data or minute packages.

Users who fail to complete the identity verification process within 10 days of being prompted will be unable to make further recharges to their accounts. The registration can be completed either digitally or in person. Online registration involves inserting the SIM card into a phone, after which the user will be directed to the platform for activation and verification.