New Delhi: The Central government has directed telecom companies to strictly enforce the existing limit on the number of SIM connections held in a single person’s name. Under the rule, once a subscriber already has nine SIM cards, providers must not issue any additional SIM.
The tightened implementation will come into force from the day after tomorrow, according to the latest order. The cap of nine connections applies nationwide, while residents of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and other North-Eastern states are permitted a maximum of six SIM connections.
As part of the enforcement, telecom operators have been instructed to verify an applicant’s existing mobile connections before issuing a new SIM. Companies must use the government’s Digital Intelligence Platform to cross-check subscriber details, which consolidates information from multiple telecom providers.
From tomorrow, the platform will also introduce a photo-based identification feature to help identify subscribers who have already reached the permitted limit. If a SIM is issued beyond the allowed number by mistake, the connection will be immediately deactivated as per the terms in the customer application form.
Telecom firms have been given time until November 30 to align their technical systems with the Digital Intelligence Platform. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing excessive connections in one name and curbing misuse for unlawful activities.
