The government is tightening the rules for issuing new SIM cards in India. From August 24, telecom operators such as Jio and Airtel will have to check how many mobile connections are already registered in a customer’s name before issuing a new SIM.
If a person has already reached the permitted limit, they will not be given another mobile connection.
How Many SIM Cards Can You Have?
The limit on mobile connections is not new. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) fixed the maximum number of connections more than a decade ago.
A person can have up to nine mobile connections in most parts of India.
However, in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North-Eastern states, the maximum limit is six connections.
What Is Changing From August 24?
The main change is how the existing rule will be enforced.
Before providing a new SIM card, telecom operators will now have to check the customer’s existing mobile connections. People applying for a new SIM will also have to mention the mobile numbers they already have.
If the customer has already reached the allowed limit, the operator will not issue another SIM.
How to Check SIM Cards Registered in Your Name
People can check their registered mobile connections through the government’s Sanchar Saathi portal or app.
The process is simple:
- Open Sanchar Saathi and select “Know mobile connections in your name.”
- Enter your mobile number and captcha.
- Enter the OTP received on your phone.
- The service will display the mobile numbers registered in your name.
- If you find a number that does not belong to you, you can report it through the service.
Telecom Companies to Cross-Check Customer Records
The government also wants telecom companies to check customer records through the Digital Intelligence Platform.
The platform brings together subscriber information shared by different telecom operators. This will help companies check whether a customer has already reached the maximum number of mobile connections allowed.
From August 23, the platform will also show a representative image for subscribers who have already reached the applicable SIM limit. Operators can use this information while processing requests for new connections.
Connections Beyond Limit May Be Suspended
Telecom companies have been given until November 30 to integrate and streamline their systems with the Digital Intelligence Platform.
Until then, an interim process will remain in place. According to the circular, a mobile connection activated beyond the permitted limit may be immediately suspended for a day until the issue is resolved.
The tighter enforcement of SIM limits is aimed at preventing fraud, including cases where another person’s Aadhaar details are used to obtain mobile connections.
