Stricter SIM card regulations on the cards; limit may be reduced to 6

In a measure to curb SIM card fraud and the misuse of fake documents, the government is considering stricter regulations on the issuance of SIM cards. The development aims to ensure accountability and prevent crimes linked to unauthorised use of mobile connections as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has received instructions from the PMO to implement stricter norms for issuing new SIM card connections. As of now, an individual can register as many as nine SIM card on their identity. 

A proposal to cap the number of SIM cards issued under a single identity to a maximum of six is being deliberated.

New regulations may require mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification for obtaining SIM cards, ensuring authenticity and preventing the use of forged documents. Hence, the new SIM cards will only be activated after successful biometric verification.

By mandating biometric verification, the use of fake documents for procuring SIM cards can be effectively eliminated.

The move is expected to reduce crimes associated with mobile connections obtained through unauthorized means, ensuring a safer communication environment.