From August 24, telecom operators will have to prevent subscribers from obtaining another mobile connection once they have reached the prescribed limit, according to a DoT directive issued on August 17.

Service providers have been asked to put systems in place to identify applicants who are attempting to register an additional number after exhausting their quota. Such customers must be informed that no further connection can be issued in their name.

The move is aimed at ensuring that the existing SIM ownership limits are actually enforced across India's telecom network.

What is the maximum number of SIMs you can hold?

The government has not introduced a new limit. Under the existing rules, an individual can generally have up to nine mobile connections registered in their name across different telecom operators and service areas.

A lower ceiling applies in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North-Eastern states, where an individual can have a maximum of six connections.

The important change is the mechanism being used to prevent subscribers from exceeding these limits.

Customers must disclose existing connections

When applying for another mobile number, subscribers are required to provide details of the numbers already registered in their name through the Customer Application Form (CAF).

This requirement applies even when the existing connections were obtained from another telecom company or in a different telecom circle.

Telecom operators will now have to verify these details before processing a fresh SIM request.

Digital Intelligence Platform to help track SIM ownership

The verification process will rely on the government's Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).

The platform consolidates subscriber information received from telecom operators, allowing service providers to establish how many connections are already linked to an individual.

The DoT is also adding a visual identification feature. From August 23, the DIP will display a representative photograph for subscribers who have already reached the applicable connection ceiling.

This will provide another layer of verification when a person seeks an additional mobile connection.

What if someone already has too many SIM cards?

If the verification shows that an applicant has reached the permitted limit, the telecom company will have to refuse the new connection.

The DoT has also prescribed an interim mechanism for cases where an additional number is activated despite the restriction.

Such a connection can be suspended immediately for 24 hours, pending resolution, in accordance with the applicable terms of the Customer Application Form.

Telecom companies get time to upgrade systems

Operators have been given until November 30 to complete the necessary integration and process changes required to work with the Digital Intelligence Platform.

The respective Licensed Service Areas will be responsible for dealing with implementation-related issues.

The government's latest directive therefore does not change the number of SIM cards an individual is legally permitted to possess. Instead, it strengthens the system used to detect and prevent registrations beyond the existing limit.