DoT adds photo checks to enforce mobile connection limits

MUMBAI: The SIM ceiling is getting a photographic memory. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has added another verification layer to enforce the limit on mobile connections, directing telecom operators to use subscriber photographs available through its Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) when processing applications from customers who have already reached the permitted threshold.

The directive, issued through a circular dated 17 August, requires operators to start receiving representative images of subscribers holding nine mobile connections from 23 August. These images will have to be downloaded daily and used to identify applicants seeking an additional connection.

The photo-based verification will take effect from 24 August. Operators have been asked to put the necessary technical and organisational systems in place to identify such applicants and inform them that another connection cannot be issued once the prescribed limit has been reached.

The rollout will initially work on a post-facto, D+1 basis, meaning operators will conduct the verification after the relevant day’s applications. But the DoT has set 30 November as the deadline for integrating the mechanism directly into subscriber enrolment and activation systems, allowing the check to happen in real time.

Any connection activated beyond the permitted limit during the interim period will have to be suspended immediately until the issue is resolved.

Under the existing framework, an individual can hold up to nine mobile connections across telecom operators and Licensed Service Areas (LSAs). The limit is lower in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and the North-East, where subscribers can hold up to six connections.

The DoT’s DIP already brings together subscriber information submitted by telecom operators and is designed to identify connections linked to the same individual across different operators and service areas.

Adding photographs gives the system another identifier to work with, particularly where a subscriber has connections spread across multiple operators or regions.

The department has previously required subscribers found to be above the prescribed limit to surrender excess numbers. Failure to do so can result in the disconnection of connections acquired subsequently.

The new mechanism is aimed at catching attempts to obtain additional connections before applications are cleared, rather than relying solely on checks after activation.

That makes the 30 November deadline particularly significant. Once integrated into subscriber acquisition and activation systems, the mobile connection ceiling will effectively become part of the SIM issuance workflow itself.

For implementation-related disputes or issues, the respective Licensed Service Areas will act as the competent authorities, according to the DoT.