New Delhi: If you hold multiple SIM cards from various telecom companies or have several mobile numbers registered in your name, this news is highly relevant to you. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Government of India has decided to implement new rules regarding SIM cards, which will come into effect nationwide starting August 24, 2026.
Additionally, the DoT has issued a circular instructing all telecom companies to identify customers who already hold the maximum permissible number of mobile connections. Such customers will be clearly informed that they cannot obtain any new mobile numbers. This measure aims to curb the use of fake SIM cards and prevent fraud, ensuring that an excessive number of SIM cards are not issued to a single individual.
How many SIM cards can you hold?
It is crucial to know the limits on mobile connections. Under current regulations, an individual in India can hold a maximum of nine mobile connections across various telecom companies and service areas.
However, this limit is lower in specific regions. If you reside in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, or the North-Eastern states, you can hold a maximum of only four mobile connections. Furthermore, when filling out the Customer Application Form (CAF), customers are required to disclose the mobile connections already registered in their names.
How the new system will work
The new system is designed to ensure greater transparency for telecom companies. Initially, the system will operate on a post-facto basis, allowing telecom companies to verify details after a new connection has been added. If a connection is found to exceed the prescribed limit, it can be immediately suspended. The government has also directed companies to transition to a real-time system as soon as possible, enabling the identification of excess SIM cards the moment a new connection is activated.
Meanwhile, this new system will make greater use of customer photographs. Starting August 23, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will take photographs of customers who have already reached the maximum connection limit available on the DIP platform. Telecom companies will be required to download these photographs daily and use them to identify customers attempting to obtain connections beyond the prescribed limit.
How the government will find out
The government will easily be able to identify if an individual is using more SIM cards than the permitted limit. To implement the new rule, telecom companies will need to utilise the government’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). This platform will provide access to subscriber data from various telecom companies, making it easier to simultaneously verify mobile connections held by an individual across different operators. Photos will be visible on the DIP starting August 23.
