How many SIM cards do you have? Govt makes big decision on keeping multiple SIMs (2024)

As per the latest order, the subscribers will be given the option to choose the connection they want to retain and deactivate the rest of the connections.

"If during the data analytics carried out by DoT, it is found that an individual subscriber is having more than nine mobile connections (six in the case of J&K, NE and Assam LSAs) across all the TSPs (telecom service providers), all the mobile connections will be flagged for re-verification," DoT said in a order.

The move has come to check incidence of financial crimes, pesky calls, automated calls and fraudulent activities. The DoT has asked telecom operators to remove all the flagged mobile connections from the database that are not in use as per the rule.

As per the rule, the outgoing (including data services) facilities of the "flagged mobile connection shall be suspended within 30 days" and "the incoming service shall be suspended within 45 days" in case subscriber has turned up for verification and exercises his option to surrender, transfer to disconnect mobile connections.

In case no subscriber turns up for re-verification, the flagged number will be deactivated within 60 days to be counted from December 7.

"In case of a subscriber who is on international roaming or with physical disability or hospitalisation, additional 30 days will be provided...," the order said.

However, if the number has been flagged by any law enforcement agencies or financial institution or identified as a pesky caller then the outgoing facilities will be suspended within 5 days, incoming within 10 days and complete disconnection within 15 days in case no one turns up for verification.

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Published: 09 Dec 2021, 11:20 AM IST