Rules have been put in place regarding SIM cards. Now, having more than nine SIM cards in one name can be costly. Immediately check the list on the government's Sanchar Sathi portal and block fake numbers.
SIM card limit rule
If you're a mobile user, this news is extremely important for you. Effective August 24, 2026, stricter rules regarding SIM cards have come into effect. According to the Department of Telecommunications' new order, citizens holding more SIM cards in their name than the prescribed limit will not be issued new SIM cards. Telecom companies have been clearly instructed to thoroughly verify the customer's old SIM card data before granting a new connection. If you already have the maximum number of SIM cards active in your name, you will be immediately denied.
New rule implemented from today
According to the Department of Telecommunications' regulations, in most states across the country, a person can hold a maximum of nine SIM cards in their name. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the northeastern states, this limit has been set at six for security reasons. This limit was already in place, but now, as of August 24th, its monitoring has been tightened. If a person already has more SIM cards in their name than the previously set limit, they will no longer be able to easily obtain a new SIM. Telecom companies will verify the records of all mobile connections in a customer's name before issuing a new SIM.
Strict action on fake SIM cards
Strict action against fake SIMs is another important addition to the new rules. If someone uses fake or forged documents to obtain a SIM, telecom companies must immediately inform the police or investigative agencies, and an FIR will be filed. The government will also register information on individuals who have more SIM cards in their name than the prescribed limit on a digital intelligence platform, including their photographs and other relevant information.
How many SIM cards are in your name? Find out this way
To this end, the government has provided a special feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal, called TAFCOP, or Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection. The method for checking this is quite simple:
1. Open the website tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in in your mobile or computer browser.
2. Enter your 10-digit mobile number here, which is already active in your name.
3. After entering the mobile number, you will receive an OTP; enter it on the website and verify it.
4. Once the verification is complete, a list of all the mobile numbers registered in your name will appear on the screen.
What to do if an unknown number appears in the list?
If you see a number on the list that you don't recognize or aren't using, you can report it from there by marking it "Not My Number." The relevant telecom company will then investigate the number and block it if necessary. Stolen or lost mobile phones can also be blocked through the CEIR feature on this portal, and fraudulent calls or messages can be reported through the Chakshu service.
