DoT to cap mobile SIMs at 9 from Aug 24

India Aug 19, 2026

Starting August 24, 2026, you'll only be able to have up to nine mobile SIM cards in your name.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) just announced this move to tighten telecom rules and cut down on people misusing multiple connections.

Telecom operators must block extra SIMs

Telecom operators now have to spot anyone already having nine SIMs in their name and block them from getting more.

The DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform will help track this, starting August 23, 2026.

If you hit the limit, a representative image of your photo will even show up in their system.

Operators have until November 30, 2026, to fully sync up with these new checks; until then, any extra SIMs over the limit get suspended right away.