The Department of Telecommunications is mandating strict enforcement of SIM limits starting August 24.
Individual subscribers are restricted to nine SIM cards nationwide or six in specific sensitive regions.
While these limits existed for over a decade, they were often bypassed by switching between operators.
Telecom providers must now use a centralized Digital Intelligence Platform to verify existing connections.
More context
Operators are required to perform photo-based identification and cross-operator database checks.
New connection requests will be blocked automatically if a subscriber has already reached their legal limit.
Any excess connections issued by mistake are subject to suspension within one single day.
Customers must disclose all current mobile numbers on application forms during the registration process.
The government aims to curb online fraud and the use of fake documents for illegal activities.
Citizens are encouraged to use the TAFCOP portal to check for unauthorized numbers in their names.
Existing connections will not be automatically canceled, but new ones will be barred for those at the limit.
This transition marks a shift from theoretical caps to an enforced, technology-driven monitoring system.