DoT’s new SIM rule: Subscribers with 9 mobile connections cannot get another number

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) 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.

Operators have been asked to put in place the required technical and organisational measures from August 24 to identify subscribers seeking connections beyond the prescribed limit and reject their requests for new SIM cards.

"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.

"Subscribers who have already obtained mobile connections beyond the prescribed limit and the details of such subscribers are available on the DIP," the circular said.

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.

This will allow telecom operators to identify subscribers seeking additional mobile connections and prevent them from exceeding the permitted limit.

The department has also asked telecom operators to streamline the process with DIP by November 30.

"Till the time such measures are implemented by a TSP on a post-facto basis, as per terms and conditions of the Customer Application Form (CAF), 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 circular said.