Government Tightens SIM Card Limits Across India
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to strictly enforce the existing limit on the number of mobile connections an individual can hold. From August 24, 2026, operators must identify customers who have already reached the permitted limit and prevent them from obtaining additional SIM cards. Customers are also required to declare all mobile connections registered in their name, including those issued by other operators or in different service areas.
Under the existing rules, an individual can hold up to nine mobile connections across India. A lower limit of six applies in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North-Eastern states. To strengthen enforcement, the DoT has instructed telecom companies to use its centralised Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), which brings together subscriber information across operators and helps identify customers who have reached or exceeded the permitted limit.
The new measures also introduce additional checks when issuing SIM cards. From August 23, telecom operators will be able to access a representative photograph of subscribers who have reached the limit through the DIP. Operators must align their systems with the platform by November 30, while connections activated beyond the permitted limit must be suspended immediately until the issue is resolved. The move aims to ensure stricter compliance and prevent misuse of excess mobile connections.
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