If several mobile SIM cards carry your name, the upcoming changes deserve your attention. The government will tighten enforcement against customers exceeding prescribed mobile connection limits. From August 24, 2026, telecom companies must identify such customers before issuing another SIM. Operators will introduce technical and administrative systems for this process.
The Department of Telecommunications issued these directions on August 17. If someone already reaches the prescribed limit, operators must identify that customer. They must also inform the customer about the reason for refusing another connection. Therefore, reaching the limit will prevent fresh mobile connection issuance.
The connection limit itself does not represent a new rule. Since August 9, 2012, one person can hold up to nine mobile connections nationwide. This limit covers connections across all telecom companies and licensed service areas. However, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and northeastern states follow a six-connection limit. Consequently, SIM cards from different companies also count toward the overall limit.
How DIP will track your mobile connections
The Department of Telecommunications has directed operators to use the Digital Intelligence Platform. DIP will combine customer information received from different telecom operators. This system will help identify the total connections registered under each person’s name.
While applying for another SIM, customers must disclose existing connections on the Customer Application Form. This declaration must include connections from other telecom companies and licensed service areas.
From August 23, DIP will also provide representative photographs of customers reaching the prescribed limit. Telecom operators can use these details while processing new SIM applications. If someone exceeds the permitted number, operators may reject the fresh connection request.
Meanwhile, telecom companies must fully integrate their systems with DIP by November 30, 2026. Until then, operators must suspend any connection exceeding the limit, even temporarily. This action applies when such a connection remains active for even one day. Operators must keep it suspended until they clarify the situation.
Ultimately, the government wants every person’s connections to remain within prescribed limits. Therefore, customers with multiple SIM cards should check their registered connections once.
