ಒಬ್ಬ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಎಷ್ಟು SIM Cards ಹೊಂದಲು ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ?

In India, the usage of SIM cards is governed by specific regulations established by the government through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and regulatory authorities like the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). As mobile connectivity and communication technology have grown exponentially in the country, so has the demand for SIM cards. With increasing mobile subscriptions, the government has introduced measures to regulate and monitor the use of multiple SIM cards by individuals.

The Regulatory Landscape of SIM Cards in India

As of 2023, the government of India has imposed certain limits on the number of SIM cards an individual can have. This limit was introduced as part of the government’s broader effort to enhance security, prevent misuse of mobile connections, and curb fraudulent activities such as identity theft, illegal telecom activities, and other forms of cybercrime.

According to the Department of Telecommunications, an individual is permitted to have up to 9 SIM cards under their name. However, the rules are nuanced, and the distribution of SIM cards is affected by whether the cards are used for normal communication or specific purposes like machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of this rule:

1. 9 SIM Card Limit: Every Indian citizen is allowed to have a maximum of 9 SIM cards registered under their name. This rule applies to both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards and includes SIM cards from all mobile operators. The rule ensures that individuals do not misuse multiple mobile connections for illegal purposes.
2. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication: The government has allowed people to possess up to 18 SIM cards in certain special cases. This is particularly applicable to individuals who use SIM cards for machine-to-machine communication, such as GPS tracking, connected devices, or other IoT (Internet of Things) applications. Out of the 18 SIM cards, 9 can be used for normal voice or data communication, while the remaining 9 can be used for M2M services. This is vital for industries and businesses that rely on connected devices for their operations, such as logistics, transportation, or agriculture.
3. Re-verification and KYC Process: Every SIM card issued in India needs to go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. This process ensures that SIM cards are issued only to genuine individuals, reducing the chances of fraud or illegal usage. The KYC verification requires the submission of identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport, along with proof of address. With each SIM card purchase, mobile operators are mandated to check the identity of the person purchasing the card and ensure that the individual stays within the 9-SIM card limit.
4. Tracking and Monitoring: To ensure that individuals do not exceed the 9-SIM limit, the government has developed mechanisms to track and monitor the issuance of SIM cards. Telecom operators must maintain a record of SIM card ownership through centralized databases. These records are periodically reviewed to check for compliance. If an individual exceeds the permitted number of SIM cards, they may be asked to surrender the additional cards, or the operator could deactivate them following due process.
5. Deactivation of Unused SIM Cards: Another significant rule pertains to the deactivation of unused SIM cards. If a SIM card is not used for a certain period (typically 90 days or more), telecom operators have the authority to deactivate the SIM card. This is especially important in cases where individuals have multiple SIM cards and might not be actively using all of them. Deactivation helps free up mobile numbers for reuse and prevents misuse by unauthorized persons.

Historical Context and Evolution of SIM Card Regulation

The regulation around the number of SIM cards one can possess in India has evolved over the years in response to both technological advancements and rising concerns over security.

In the early 2000s, mobile penetration in India was relatively low, and there was no specific restriction on the number of SIM cards a person could have. However, as the telecom sector grew rapidly and mobile phones became accessible to millions of people, the government realized the need for regulatory oversight.

The primary concern was the potential misuse of multiple SIM cards. There were instances of individuals using multiple SIMs for fraudulent activities, such as impersonation, scams, and black-market sales of SIM cards. As a result, the government introduced stricter regulations and mandated the KYC process for every new SIM card purchase. This move significantly reduced the number of unregistered or “ghost” SIM cards in circulation.

The introduction of the Aadhaar-based KYC process further streamlined the system. By linking SIM cards to an individual’s unique Aadhaar number, the government was able to create a more reliable way to monitor mobile subscribers. The 9-SIM card limit was introduced as a security measure, ensuring that each person could be held accountable for their mobile connections.

The Role of Aadhaar in SIM Card Regulation

One of the most significant advancements in SIM card regulation in India is the use of Aadhaar, India’s unique biometric identification system. Aadhaar serves as a robust tool for mobile operators to verify a customer’s identity. The Aadhaar-based KYC process allows telecom operators to authenticate users more easily, reducing the chances of fraud and duplication.

When an individual applies for a SIM card, they can authenticate their identity instantly by using their Aadhaar card. This quick process ensures that the SIM card is registered under the correct identity and prevents the issuance of multiple SIM cards under false names. Furthermore, by linking mobile numbers to Aadhaar, the government has a better mechanism to track and verify the ownership of SIM cards.

However, the Aadhaar-SIM card linkage has been a matter of legal debate. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that linking SIM cards to Aadhaar is not mandatory, allowing individuals the option to use other forms of identity proof for KYC purposes. Nonetheless, Aadhaar remains one of the most convenient ways to verify identity for mobile connections.

Implications of Exceeding the SIM Card Limit

Exceeding the 9-SIM card limit can lead to penalties and action from telecom operators. If the Department of Telecommunications or mobile operators discover that an individual holds more than 9 SIM cards, they can request the customer to surrender the excess cards. Failure to comply could result in the deactivation of some SIM cards.

In certain cases, where there is suspicion of illegal activity, law enforcement agencies may become involved. The use of multiple SIM cards for illegal activities like scams, black-market dealings, or impersonation can lead to legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Information Technology Act.

Why Multiple SIM Cards?

There are various reasons why individuals in India may choose to use multiple SIM cards:

1. Network Availability: India has several telecom operators, and network availability varies by region. In some areas, one operator might offer better coverage than another, prompting individuals to use multiple SIMs to ensure connectivity at all times.
2. Cost Savings: Different operators offer different plans and tariffs. Some users take advantage of this by using multiple SIM cards to maximize savings on data, voice calls, or text messages.
3. Separation of Personal and Professional Numbers: Many people prefer to keep their personal and professional lives separate by using two SIM cards—one for work-related communication and another for personal use.
4. M2M Communication: As discussed earlier, the rise of machine-to-machine communication and IoT devices has created a demand for additional SIM cards. Businesses in sectors like logistics, agriculture, or healthcare may need multiple SIM cards for tracking devices, sensors, or other connected systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Indian government allows individuals to hold up to 9 SIM cards, with special provisions for M2M communication. These regulations aim to strike a balance between providing flexibility to consumers and ensuring national security. By enforcing KYC procedures, linking SIM cards to Aadhaar, and monitoring the number of SIMs per person, the government seeks to prevent fraud and misuse. As India continues to embrace digitalization and connectivity, the management of mobile subscriptions and SIM cards will remain a critical component of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.