SIM card rules 2026: What changes from Aug 24 & how many connections can you have
The Indian government has mandated that telecom operators prevent individuals from holding more than nine mobile connections starting August 24. Operators must implement a verification system using subscriber photos to identify and block excess connections.
Why it matters
This regulatory change aims to curb fraud and improve security by limiting the number of SIM cards a single individual can possess.
The government has directed telecom service providers to stop individuals from obtaining mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit of nine, with a new system coming into effect from August 24.Under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructions, telecom companies will have to identify subscribers who seek a new mobile connection after already reaching the maximum number allowed in their name and inform them that another connection cannot be provided.The move will initially operate on a post-facto basis, allowing telecom operators to carry out the verification one day after a connection is enrolled.However, the government has asked operators to shift to a real-time system for identifying and preventing excess connections by November 30.How the new SIM verification system will workFrom August 24, telecom operators will have to take technical and organisational measures to identify subscribers attempting to obtain connections beyond the prescribed limit.The DoT circular said: “From 24.8.2026 onward, TSPs shall take…
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