SIM Buying Rules Change From August 24: Check the New Limits Before Buying a New SIM Card
UdaipurTimes, August 22, 2026 | Telcom Regulation Updates: If you already have multiple mobile numbers in your name, you may face problems. The central government's Department of Telecom (DoT) has taken strict steps regarding mobile connections. From August 24, telecom companies will have to stop giving new mobile connections to people who have a certain number of SIMs in their name.
In most parts of India, a person is allowed to have a maximum of 9 mobile numbers in their name. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and some states of North-East India, this limit is even lower. In those areas, a person can have a maximum of 6 mobile numbers in their name. Now this limit will not apply to any one telecom company separately. The total number of connections will be calculated by taking all the companies together.
What happens if you go to buy a new SIM?
According to the new instructions of DoT, if someone wants to get a new SIM, the telecom company will first have to verify how many mobile numbers are already in the name of that person. If the prescribed limit is exceeded, no new SIM can be given.
Let's understand this with an example. Suppose you have four Airtel SIMs in your name and two Jio SIMs. Then there are a total of six mobile numbers. That is, it does not matter which company's SIM you are using. All the mobile connections in your name will be included in the calculation.
Earlier, while getting a new SIM, it was enough to provide Aadhaar or other necessary documents. Now, along with that, the system will see how many mobile numbers are already active in your name. There is no reason to panic if you have fewer than 9 SIMs in your name.
Identity verification through photo
One of the important aspects of the new system is identity verification using photos. DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) will be used for this. According to the report, from August 23, the photos of those who have mobile connections close to or up to the prescribed number in their name will be with the telecom companies. Telecom companies will have to check the image against the new SIM application and the information in their system every day.
Will the old SIM be deactivated?
Let's say a person has 10 or more SIMs in his name. Will all his numbers be deactivated? The answer is all the numbers already in your name will not be deactivated. If a new connection is given by mistake beyond the prescribed limit, it will be suspended. Telecom companies will have to strengthen this system by November 30 and provide real-time verification.
