Telcos to deny new SIMs to subscribers with nine connections

The Government has directed telecom operators to deny new mobile connections to subscribers who already have nine SIM cards registered in their name. According to an official circular, telecom service providers have been asked to put in place technical and organisational measures from 24th August to identify subscribers seeking connections beyond the prescribed limit and prevent them from obtaining additional SIM cards.  
The DoT has directed telecom operators to use the Digital Intelligence Platform, or DIP, for this purpose. The platform contains subscriber data uploaded by telecom companies, including details of those who have already reached the permitted limit. 
"From August, 24, 2026, onward, TSPs (telecom service providers) shall take appropriate technical and organisational measures to identify each subscriber who seeks to obtain mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit and communicate to him that he already has a maximum number of mobile connections permitted to an individual and accordingly, a new mobile connection cannot be provided to him," the circular dated August 17 said.The DoT has asked TSPs to use the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) established by the department based on the subscriber data records uploaded by the telcos.
The DoT said that from August 23, a representative image of each subscriber who has already reached the prescribed limit on mobile connections in their name will be made available on DIP. The department has also asked telecom operators to streamline the process with DIP by November 30.