DoT directs telecom operators to deny new SIMs to subscribers with nine connections

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a key branch of India’s Ministry of Communications, has directed telecom service providers to deny new mobile connections to subscribers who already have nine SIM cards registered in their name, according to an official circular.

The directive will come into effect from August 24, 2026, with telecom operators required to put in place technical and organisational measures to identify subscribers attempting to obtain mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit.

According to the circular dated August 17, operators must inform such subscribers that they have already reached the maximum number of mobile connections permitted for an individual and that an additional SIM cannot be issued.

The DoT has instructed telecom service providers to use its Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), which contains subscriber information uploaded by telecom companies, to identify individuals who have already reached or exceeded the permitted limit.

The department said details of subscribers who have obtained mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit are already available on the DIP.

From August 23, the platform will also provide a representative image of subscribers who have reached the maximum permitted number of connections, allowing operators to verify and identify them when they apply for additional SIMs.

The DoT has asked telecom operators to streamline their systems with the DIP by November 30.

Until the required systems are fully implemented, any mobile connection activated beyond the permitted limit will have to be suspended immediately for the day, in accordance with the terms of the Customer Application Form (CAF), the circular said.

The measure is aimed at preventing subscribers from exceeding the prescribed limit on mobile connections and strengthening monitoring of SIM issuance.