DoT Caps Mobile Connections at Nine per Subscriber

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India has directed telecom service providers to stop issuing new mobile connections to individuals who already hold the prescribed limit of nine SIM cards in their name. The new system comes into effect from 24 August 2026 and uses the Digital Intelligence Platform for subscriber screening.

Mobile Connection Limit in India

The limit of nine mobile connections applies across most of India. Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North-Eastern states have a lower ceiling of six mobile connections per subscriber. The limit applies to SIM cards registered in the name of one individual across different operators and telecom circles.

Customer Application Form and Subscriber Declaration

Applicants for a new mobile number must declare all existing connections on the Customer Application Form, commonly called the CAF. The declaration includes connections obtained from other telecom operators and from different service areas. Telecom service providers must deny a fresh connection when the declared total reaches the permitted limit.

Digital Intelligence Platform and Verification Process

The DoT will use representative subscriber photographs on its centralised Digital Intelligence Platform to identify subscribers who have reached the cap. Telecom operators must cross-check customer records through the platform before activation of a new SIM card. Any extra mobile connection activated during the interim post-facto verification phase must be suspended immediately.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Department of Telecommunications is the central government body that regulates telecom policy in India.
• The Customer Application Form is used for subscriber enrolment and identity declaration in mobile services.
• The Digital Intelligence Platform is a centralised system used for telecom fraud detection and verification.
• Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North-Eastern states have a lower mobile connection ceiling of six per subscriber.

Subscriber Verification Timeline

The DoT has set 30 November 2026 as the deadline for telecom operators to shift from next-day verification to real-time photograph-based screening during enrolment. The new process is intended to block excess SIM activation at the point of sale.