New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is tightening enforcement of India’s rules on the number of mobile connections a person can hold. From August 24, telecom operators will have to stop issuing new SIM cards to subscribers who have already reached the permitted limit.
The directive, issued by the DoT on August 17, requires telecom companies to introduce systems to identify customers attempting to obtain connections beyond the prescribed ceiling.
How many SIM cards can you have?
The existing limit is nine mobile connections per person across telecom operators and service areas. However, subscribers in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North-Eastern states are subject to a separate limit of six connections.
Customers applying for a new connection must also disclose the mobile numbers already registered in their name, including those issued by other operators or in different telecom service areas.
Digital system will check subscribers
Telecom operators will use the government’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to check a subscriber’s existing connections before issuing another SIM card.
From August 23, the platform will also display a representative photograph for subscribers who have reached their applicable limit. Operators can use this information when processing new connection requests.
Telecom companies have been given until November 30 to complete the required integration and streamline their systems with the platform.
What happens if the limit is crossed?
If a mobile connection is activated beyond the permitted limit during the transition period, it may be suspended for one day while the issue is resolved.
The latest move is aimed at ensuring that mobile connections remain within the prescribed limits and strengthening the monitoring of subscriber records across telecom operators.