Centre Cracks Down on Multiple SIM Abuse: A New Era of Digital Intelligence

The Department of Telecommunications has issued a stern warning to telecom operators to deny new connections to subscribers with nine or more SIMs in their name. This move is aimed at curbing SIM card misuse and preventing users from exploiting the system.

According to an official circular, telecom operators have been asked to put in place appropriate technical and organisational measures from August 24 onwards to identify each subscriber seeking to obtain a connection beyond the prescribed limit and deny them new SIM cards. This means that users who have already reached the maximum number of mobile connections permitted to an individual will not be able to obtain new SIM cards.

The DoT has asked telecom operators to use the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) established by the department based on subscriber data records uploaded by the telcos. The DIP will enable telecom operators to identify subscribers who have already obtained mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit and prevent them from crossing such a limit.

The DoT has also stated that from August 23, a representative image of the photo of each such subscriber who has already reached the prescribed limit for mobile connections in their name will be made available on the DIP. This will enable telecom operators to verify the identity of the subscriber and prevent them from obtaining new SIM cards.

The move is aimed at preventing SIM card misuse and streamlining the process of obtaining new connections. By using the DIP, telecom operators can identify subscribers who are trying to obtain mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit and prevent them from doing so.

The DoT has given telecom operators until November 30 to implement the new measures. Till then, any mobile connection activated beyond the prescribed limit for a day shall be immediately suspended till resolution of the issue in respect of crossing the permitted limit for mobile connections.

The Centre's move to curb SIM card misuse is a significant step towards preventing the exploitation of the system. By using the Digital Intelligence Platform, telecom operators can identify and block users who are trying to obtain multiple SIMs. This will not only prevent SIM card misuse but also ensure that the process of obtaining new connections is streamlined.

The Centre's decision to use the DIP to curb SIM card misuse is a testament to its commitment to preventing the exploitation of the system. By using the DIP, telecom operators can identify and block users who are trying to obtain multiple SIMs. This will not only prevent SIM card misuse but also ensure that the process of obtaining new connections is streamlined.

In conclusion, the Centre's move to curb SIM card misuse is a significant step towards preventing the exploitation of the system. By using the Digital Intelligence Platform, telecom operators can identify and block users who are trying to obtain multiple SIMs. This will not only prevent SIM card misuse but also ensure that the process of obtaining new connections is streamlined.

Key Takeaways

• The Centre has directed telecom operators to deny new connections to subscribers with nine or more SIMs in their name.
• The DoT has asked telecom operators to use the Digital Intelligence Platform to identify and block users who try to exceed the prescribed limit.
• From August 24, 2026, telecom operators will be required to put in place technical and organisational measures to prevent users from obtaining new SIMs beyond the prescribed limit.
• The move aims to prevent SIM card misuse and streamline the process of obtaining new connections.
• Telecom operators have been given until November 30 to implement the new measures.