Arya News - The telecom department has introduced a phased verification system, with operators required to shift from post-activation checks to real-time screening of new SIM applicants by November 2026.
NEW DELHI – Telecom companies in India have started restricting users from getting more SIM cards once they cross the limit allowed under revised rules.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom companies to identify subscribers who already hold the maximum number of mobile connections allowed under their name and stop issuing fresh SIM cards to them.
Under the revised rules, an individual can hold up to nine mobile connections across telecom operators and licensed service areas in the country. The limit is lower in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North-East, where subscribers can have a maximum of six connections.
Telecom firms move towards real-time SIM verification
The new system will initially function on a post-facto basis. Telecom companies can verify connections after activation and immediately suspend any mobile connection found to be beyond the prescribed limit.
The DoT has asked operators to shift to real-time verification by November 30, 2026, to ensure that additional SIM cards are blocked before activation.
The DoT circular stated that until telecom providers implement such measures, any mobile connection activated beyond the permitted limit “shall be immediately suspended till resolution of the issue in respect of crossing the permitted limit for mobile connections.”
DoT to provide subscriber images through Digital Intelligence Platform
As part of the new process, the DoT will make representative images of subscribers who have already reached their maximum SIM limit available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) from August 23, 2026.
Telecom operators will be required to download these images every day to help identify applicants who are attempting to obtain additional SIM cards.
The instructions also require customers to declare the mobile connections already held in their name across telecom operators and licensed service areas while filling the Customer Application Form (CAF).
Licensed Service Areas to handle implementation issues
The DoT has authorised the respective Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) to decide issues arising during the implementation of the new instructions.
The move comes as telecom authorities tighten checks around mobile connections and verification processes by linking subscriber details across operators.