THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 19, 2026
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed
telecom service providers to stop issuing new mobile connections to subscribers
who already have the maximum permitted nine SIM cards registered in their name,
according to an official circular.
The directive, dated August 17, will come into effect from
August 24, 2026, requiring telecom operators to put in place technical and
organisational measures to identify subscribers seeking additional connections
beyond the prescribed limit and deny such requests.
According to the DoT, telecom service providers will have to
inform customers that they have already reached the maximum number of mobile
connections permitted for an individual and, consequently, cannot be issued
another SIM card.
The department has asked operators to use its Digital
Intelligence Platform (DIP) to enforce the rule. The platform is based on
subscriber data uploaded by telecom companies and contains details of
subscribers who have already obtained mobile connections beyond the prescribed
limit.
From August 23, the DIP will also provide a representative
image of each subscriber who has reached the permitted limit, enabling operators
to identify customers attempting to obtain additional connections.
The DoT has directed telecom service providers to streamline
their processes with the DIP by November 30.
Until the required systems are fully implemented, any mobile connection activated beyond the permitted limit will have to be suspended immediately on a post-facto basis, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Customer Application Form (CAF). The suspension will remain in place until the issue relating to the subscriber exceeding the permitted limit is resolved.
The latest directive is aimed at strengthening subscriber verification and ensuring that the prescribed limit on mobile connections is effectively enforced across telecom networks.
