Regulators
Nine SIMs is the limit: DoT tightens checks on extra mobile connections
Telecom operators to block excess connections from November 30 under real-time verification
NEW DELHI: Nine is now the magic number for most mobile users. From August 24, telecom operators will have to step up checks to ensure individuals do not obtain mobile connections beyond the maximum number permitted in their name.
Under instructions from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), telecom service providers will be required to identify subscribers seeking a new connection after already reaching the prescribed limit and inform them that another SIM cannot be issued.
The new system will initially work on a post-facto basis, meaning operators can verify the subscriber after the connection has been enrolled. However, the government has directed telecom companies to move to real-time checks by November 30.
How the new SIM verification system will work
From August 24, telecom operators will have to put technical and organisational measures in place to identify subscribers attempting to obtain connections beyond the permitted limit.
To support the verification process, the DoT will make available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) from August 23 a representative photograph of each subscriber who has already reached the maximum number of connections allowed.
Operators will have to download these images daily and use them to identify customers attempting to obtain additional mobile connections.
During the initial post-facto phase, any connection activated beyond the permitted limit during a day will have to be immediately suspended until the issue is resolved.
The system is expected to become more stringent once real-time checks are introduced. From November 30, operators will be required to integrate the verification into the enrolment and activation process so that excess connections can be identified and blocked before activation.
How many SIM cards can one person have?
Under DoT instructions issued on August 9, 2012, an individual can hold up to nine mobile connections in their name across telecom operators and licensed service areas in India.
There are lower limits in certain regions:
Most of India: Up to nine mobile connections
Jammu and Kashmir: Up to six
Assam: Up to six
North-East: Up to six
Customers must also declare the mobile connections already registered in their name across telecom operators and licensed service areas through the Customer Application Form.
What happens if you already have nine SIMs?
If a subscriber already has the maximum number of permitted connections, telecom operators will have to refuse any request for an additional mobile connection.
The government has specifically directed operators to identify such subscribers and communicate that they have reached the prescribed limit.
The respective Licensed Service Areas will act as the competent authorities for resolving issues arising from implementation of the rules.
The changes are aimed at tightening control over the number of mobile connections issued to individuals and strengthening subscriber verification. For anyone already sitting at the nine-SIM ceiling, the message from August 24 is simple: one more connection is one too many.
