SIM card rules to become stricter from August 24; new number won't be issued if you have this many connections..
If you have multiple mobile numbers registered in your name, this news is crucial for you. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to strictly enforce SIM card regulations starting August 24, 2026. Under these rules, a new SIM card will not be issued to an individual if they already hold mobile connections exceeding the prescribed limit.
However, the maximum limit of 9 SIM cards is not new; the rule has been in place previously, but the government is now tightening the enforcement and verification systems. Significantly, this limit applies to the aggregate of connections held by an individual across all telecom companies, rather than being restricted to a single operator.
What changes on August 24?
According to DoT directives, starting August 24, telecom companies must identify customers who have already reached the prescribed limit of mobile connections and are attempting to acquire a new SIM.
If a customer already holds the maximum permitted number of connections, the company will be unable to issue a new mobile number. Additionally, the customer will be informed about the total number of mobile connections currently registered in their name.
How many SIM cards can an individual hold?
In most parts of the country, an individual can hold up to 9 connections; however, in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the North-Eastern states, the limit is set at 6 mobile connections. This means residents of these states cannot hold more than 6 connections in their name. It is important to note that the limit of 9 SIMs does not mean you can acquire 9 SIMs each from Jio, Airtel, and Vi; the limit applies to the total number of mobile connections registered in your name across all companies and telecom circles.
How will the government verify this?
To implement this rule, telecom companies will utilize the government's Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). This platform will host subscriber data from various telecom companies, making it easier to verify the total number of active mobile connections an individual holds across different operators. Photos to be visible on DIP starting August 23
Photos to be visible on DIP starting August 23
Another significant change is being introduced in the new system. According to reports, starting August 23, a representative photograph of customers who already hold mobile connections up to the permissible limit will be made available on the DIP (Digital Intelligence Platform). Telecom operators will be able to use this to verify the identity of individuals applying for new connections and check the status of their existing connections.
Details required when purchasing a new SIM
When applying for a new connection, customers will be required to provide details of mobile numbers already registered in their name. This will include not only numbers from the same service provider but also numbers obtained from other operators and in other telecom circles.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
