The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Central Government has adopted a strict stance to curb cyber fraud, digital arrest, online fraud and SIM cards issued through fake documents in the country. A major technical change is being implemented in the rules for issuing SIM cards from August 24. Under the new rules, now no person will be able to buy unlimited or arbitrary SIM cards in his name. If a citizen already has 9 mobile connections active in his name, then the telecom companies (like Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) will immediately refuse to give him a new (10th) SIM card. The government has issued strict instructions to telecom companies to link their systems with the government database.
What is the maximum number of SIM cards allowed in one person's name?
As per the current guidelines of the Department of Telecommunications, the maximum limit for having a mobile connection in India is:
-
Range for normal states: In most of the states and union territories of the country, a person can avail a maximum of Rs. 9 sim cards Can keep.
-
Limit for sensitive areas: Due to security reasons in the states of Jammu-Kashmir, Assam and North-East, this limit is maximum. 6 sim cards It has been determined.
-
Combined data of all operators: This limit is not for any one telecom company only, but is calculated by taking together the total connections of all the companies (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL). For example, if you have 4 Jio, 3 Airtel and 2 Vodafone-Idea SIMs, your limit of 9 has been reached.
Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and photo identification will stop fraud
To strictly implement the rules on the ground, the Department of Telecommunications 'Digital Intelligence Platform' (DIP) Have prepared:
-
Photo database live from August 23: The government has made the photo and identity data of all those subscribers live on the DIP portal from August 23, in whose name the connections of the pre-fixed limit (9 or 6 SIMs) are registered.
-
Cross-verification by telecom companies: Whenever a customer reaches a shop or store to buy a new SIM, the telecom provider will have to check the existing connections of the customer through the DIP system. If the limit is exceeded, the system will automatically reject the application.
-
November 30 deadline for real-time tracking: Telecom companies have been given time till November 30 to fully real-time integrate their on-boarding systems with DIP.
What happens if the 10th SIM is activated by mistake?
Even if a customer succeeds in activating a new SIM during the interim arrangement, the Department of Telecommunications has made a provision for strict action against him:
-
Instant suspension: Any additional connection activated beyond the limit prescribed under the rules of Customer Application Form (CAF) will be suspended with immediate effect within 24 hours.
-
Physical Re-Verification: Before complete closure of the additional connection, the concerned person will be informed and given the option to surrender or deactivate his additional SIM within the prescribed limit.
Cyber fraud and fake SIM racket hit
The biggest reason for the government taking this strict step is the increasing cyber crimes across the country. The investigation found that cyber thugs and organized syndicates misused the Aadhaar card or ID proof of innocent people to issue dozens of fake SIMs in the same name and then used them for money laundering, phishing and digital fraud. With the new verification system, rackets issuing SIMs in someone else's name will be completely banned.
How many SIMs are active in your name? How to check with 'Sanchar Sathi'
If you want to know how many SIM cards are running on your identity card till now, then you can visit the official website of Government of India. 'Communication Saathi' You can use the portal to:
-
Department of Telecommunications portal sancharsaathi.gov.in Go to.
-
Under Citizen Centric Services on the homepage 'Know Your Mobile Connections' (TAFCOP) Click on Options.
-
Enter your current 10 digit mobile number and captcha code displayed on the screen.
-
Login by entering the OTP received on the mobile.
-
A list of all the active mobile numbers linked to your ID will appear on the screen.
-
If you see a number you don't recognize or one you haven't purchased, select it. 'Not My Number' Or 'Not Required' Click here to file a blocking report immediately.