Govt SIM Card Rule Change: If you already have multiple mobile numbers issued in your name, then your problem may increase. The Department of Telecom (DoT) of the Central Government is implementing new and stricter rules regarding mobile connections. From August 24, 2026, telecom companies will have to stop giving new mobile connections to customers who already have active SIM cards above the limit. This rule is not specific to any single company but will apply to total connections of all telecom companies.
Verification will be done before taking a new SIM
Most of the states in India have set a limit of maximum 9 mobile connections in one person’s name. While in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and North-Eastern states this limit is maximum 6 connections. This limit will be calculated across the connections of all telecom companies. As per DoT’s new notification, companies will now have to check how many numbers are already working in the customer’s name before issuing a new SIM. A new connection will not be issued if the specified limit is reached.
Identification will also be done from the photo
The most special thing about this new system is that now verification will also be done through photo. Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) of DoT will be used for this. From August 23, photographs of people who have up to the limit of connections will be made available to telecom companies. Companies will then have to verify new SIM applications through this system and photo on a daily basis.
This process will start from August 24. Initially, if after investigation it is found that a person has been issued SIM more than the limit, then that excess connection will be suspended immediately. By November 30, all companies have to strengthen this system and conduct real-time verification.
What will happen to the old numbers?
If a person has 10 or more SIMs in his name, will all his numbers be blocked? The main purpose of this new arrangement is to prevent new connections from being issued beyond the limit. Action will be taken if additional connection is issued by mistake. So if you have more than required numbers running in your name or someone else has taken SIM using your ID, it is important to verify it in time.
9 sim rule applies to all companies jointly. That means if you have 4 SIMs of Airtel and 2 SIMs of Jio, total 6 SIMs will be counted.
Why this strict decision?
Mobile number is linked to bank account, UPI, social media and government services. As fake SIMs are widely used in cyber frauds and online scams, the government has started cracking down on SIM cards obtained with bogus documents and exceeding the limit.
Now the process of buying a new SIM
Now it is not enough to just provide Aadhaar card or other proof to buy a new SIM. The system will automatically check how many connections are already open in your name. No need to panic if you have less than 9 SIMs, but if you don’t know how many SIMs are active in your name, it is imperative to go to the portal and check once for sure.