The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has informed that new SIM card rules will be enforced in India from December 1, 2023. The rules were initially set to come into effect from October 1, 2023. However, the government postponed the implementation by two months. With the new rules, the government aims to combat frauds involving fake SIMs and curb rising scam cases.
As per the new rules, all SIM card dealers must undergo mandatory verification. Registration for selling SIMs is now a prerequisite, with telecom operators responsible for police verification. Failure to comply may result in a fine of Rs 1 million. For customers purchasing SIM cards for their existing numbers, Aadhaar scanning and demographic data collection will become mandatory.
Further, the new rules limit the issuance of SIM cards in bulk. Individuals can acquire SIM cards in bulk only through a business connection. However, users can still obtain up to nine SIM cards on one ID, as before. SIM cards will no longer be issued in bulk after the new rules take effect. Closing a SIM card will render that number applicable to another person only after a 90-day period. As per the rules, SIM-selling vendors must register by November 30, 2023, to comply with the new rules. Violation may lead to fines of up to Rs 1 million and potential imprisonment.
