India tightens enforcement of mobile SIM card connection limits

The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is implementing stricter enforcement of existing rules regarding the maximum number of mobile connections an individual can hold. Starting August 24, telecom operators are required to use technical and organizational measures to prevent customers from obtaining additional SIM cards once they have reached the prescribed limit.

Under current regulations, individuals are permitted a maximum of nine mobile connections across all operators nationwide. However, a lower limit of six connections applies in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North-Eastern states. While these ownership caps have been in place since 2012, the new directive focuses on rigorous enforcement at the point of issuance to close regulatory loopholes and curb digital fraud.

To facilitate this, the DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) will provide telecom operators with subscriber photographs to assist in verifying identity and connection counts. Operators have until November 30 to fully integrate these systems to ensure compliance.