New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is now going to make the system more stringent regarding mobile SIM cards. The new system will be implemented from August 24, 2026, under which if a person has mobile connections in his name equal to the pre-determined limit, then he will not be issued a new SIM. In most parts of the country, this limit is 9 mobile connections, while in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and some areas of the North-East, a maximum limit of 6 connections is applicable.
What will change for SIM buyers from August 24?
After the implementation of the new system, before selling SIM, telecom companies will have to check how many mobile connections are already active in the name of the customer. If the prescribed limit is reached, a new connection will be refused. Its purpose is to prevent the possibility of excessive issuance of SIMs on a single identity and to curb the use of fake mobile connections.
How many SIMs can one person have in his name?
In most parts of the country, a maximum of 9 mobile connections are allowed in one person’s name. However, in some licensed service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and North-East, this limit is 6 connections. That means, if a person already has 9 SIMs active in his name, then he will not be able to take the 10th connection in his name.
What if you already have 9 SIMs in your name?
The telecom company will not release the connection to such a customer if he tries to get a new SIM. DoT has asked the companies to prepare technical arrangements so that the number of mobile connections existing in the name of the customer can be ascertained at the time of application. Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) will be used for this.
How will the government check the SIM number?
Data related to customers will be made available by telecom companies on DIP. As per the instructions of DoT, from August 23, photographs and information of those customers in whose name the prescribed 9 connections already exist will also be made available on DIP. With this, it will be easy to check the identity of the person coming to get a new SIM and the connections running in his name.
Is there a SIM in your name that you don’t use?
Many people are not aware of how many mobile numbers are active in their name. If such numbers are being used by any other person then it may cause problems. On the government’s Sanchar Saathi platform, citizens can view details of mobile connections issued in their name and can also report numbers that they do not recognise or use.
What to do if you find an unknown SIM?
If during investigation a number appears that is not yours, it is better to report it rather than ignore it. Information about such connections can be given through the facility of Sanchar Saathi. This step is also necessary because if the SIM issued on the identity of a person is misused, the investigating agencies can first access the records of that connection.
Why has the government taken this step?
The main objective of this strictness of DoT is to stop mobile connections taken on fake documents and frauds done through them. Mobile numbers are today linked to banking, OTP, digital payments and many other services. In such a situation, extra or fake SIM issued on any identity can be misused in cyber crime. The new system is a step towards reducing such risks.
Will people having 9 SIMs have to switch off any of their numbers?
Just because a person has 9 SIMs in his name does not imply the need to immediately block any number. The main change is that a new connection will not be available after the prescribed limit is reached. However, if there are numbers in your name that you do not use or have never taken, it would be wise to get them checked and reported if necessary. This can also avoid unnecessary trouble while getting a new SIM in future.
