DoT Enforces Nine-SIM Limit Using Subscriber Photographs

Current Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued directions on 17 August 2026 to strictly enforce the maximum number of mobile connections that can be held by one person. The strengthened system became effective from 24 August 2026. 

• An individual can hold a maximum of 9 mobile connections across telecom operators in most parts of India.
• The limit is 6 connections in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and the North-Eastern States. 
• DoT will use subscriber photographs available through its Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to identify people who have already reached the permitted limit.
• Telecom operators must refuse a new connection if the subscriber has already reached the maximum SIM limit.
• The measure is intended to strengthen subscriber verification and reduce misuse of SIM cards for fraud and cybercrime.
• Telecom operators are required to move towards real-time photograph-based verification by 30 November 2026.

Question

Q1. Which platform will be used by DoT to help telecom operators enforce the nine-SIM limit?
a) Sanchar Saathi Portal
b) Digital Intelligence Platform
c) DigiLocker
d) Telecom Analytics Portal

Answer: b) DoT will use the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and subscriber photographs to identify users who have already reached the prescribed SIM-card limit.