The new Telecommunications Act, 2023 has established clear guidelines on the maximum number of SIM cards an individual can hold. As per the regulations, the limit is nine SIM cards per person, except in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Northeast Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) where the limit is six. Nittin Arora, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, explains that exceeding these limits can result in hefty penalties and even imprisonment if fraudulent activities are involved.
Consequences of Exceeding the SIM Card Limit
Starting June 26, 2024, possessing more than the permitted number of SIM cards will lead to severe consequences. For first-time offenders, the fine can go up to Rs 50,000, increasing to Rs 2 lakh for subsequent offences. Moreover, obtaining SIM cards through fraud, cheating, or impersonation can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both, as per the new Act. It’s crucial to keep track of the number of SIM cards registered under your name to avoid these penalties.
Using the Sanchar Saathi Portal to Check Your SIM Cards
To prevent any unauthorized use of SIM cards in your name, it’s essential to regularly check how many SIM cards are registered under your identity. The Sanchar Saathi portal is a government initiative that allows individuals to verify the number of SIM cards registered in their name. Here’s how you can use this portal:
- Visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal
- Enter Your Mobile Number
- Input your mobile number in the designated field and complete the captcha verification. Click on ‘Validate Captcha.’
- OTP Verification
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field to proceed.
- View Registered Connections
- A new page will display the number of SIM cards registered under your name. You will see three options next to each number: ‘Not My Number,’ ‘Not Required,’ and ‘Required.’
- Request Disconnection
- If you identify any number that is not yours or no longer needed, click on ‘Not My Number’ or ‘Not Required’ to raise a disconnection request.
What to Do if You Have More than Nine SIM Cards
For those who had more than nine SIM cards before the new regulations came into effect, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued instructions on December 7, 2021, for re-verification of existing mobile connections. You have the options to surrender, transfer, or disconnect the excess SIM cards to comply with the new rules. No penalties will be imposed if these actions are taken promptly as per the guidelines.
Conclusion
Staying within the legal limits for SIM cards is essential to avoid fines and legal trouble. Regularly checking the number of SIM cards registered under your name using the Sanchar Saathi portal is a prudent measure to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized usage.
