India DoT tightens SIM card limits to combat cybercrime

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is tightening enforcement of mobile connection limits to combat cybercrime, phishing, and financial fraud. Starting August 24, 2026, telecom service providers must implement technical and organizational measures to prevent individuals from obtaining new SIM cards once they have reached the permitted threshold.

In most parts of India, a single individual is limited to a maximum of nine mobile connections across all telecom operators. In sensitive regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North-Eastern states, this limit is reduced to six connections. The restriction applies collectively across all service providers, meaning subscribers cannot bypass the limit by switching operators.

To enforce these rules, the DoT is utilizing its Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), which consolidates subscriber data from various companies. As of August 23, the DIP will provide representative photographs of subscribers who have already reached their maximum limit to assist operators in cross-verification. While existing connections exceeding the limit will not be automatically disconnected, they may be treated as non-compliant, and new applications for those who have hit the ceiling will be denied.