Important news for mobile phone users. Many new rules related to SIM cards are going to come into effect from 2025. The purpose of these rules is to prevent misuse of SIM cards and increase the safety of consumers. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have jointly made these new rules.
These new rules will bring many changes in the process of purchasing and using SIM cards. Consumers will now have to be more careful and follow the rules. Besides, many new responsibilities are also coming on telecom companies. Let us know about these new rules in detail.
SIM Card Rules 2025: At a glance
| Description | new rule |
| KYC process | Digital KYC mandatory |
| SIM card number | One person can have maximum 9 sims |
| bulk connection | are closed |
| Dealer Verification | has been made mandatory |
| blacklisting | New SIM will not be available for 6 months to 3 years |
| inactive sim | Outgoing stopped after 30 days, incoming after 45 days |
| Voice+SMS Plan | must be provided separately |
| Special Tariff Voucher | Validity increased from 90 days to 365 days |
Digital KYC becomes mandatory
Digital KYC process has been made mandatory for getting SIM card from 2025. Now you will not have to submit photocopies of documents. Instead, KYC will be completed by scanning the QR code of the Aadhar card. This will stop the use of fake documents.
For digital KYC you have to follow the following steps:
- Scan QR code of Aadhar card
- get your photo taken
- Get a fingerprint or iris scan
- Get OTP verification done
This process will make it easier and safer to get a SIM card. Besides, the possibility of issuing fake SIM cards will also reduce.
Limit on number of SIM cards
Under the new rules, a person can have a maximum of 9 SIM cards only. In Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states this limit is up to 6 SIM cards. Action can be taken if you have more SIMs than this.
This rule has been brought to prevent misuse of SIM cards. Many people used to keep multiple SIM cards together and use them in illegal activities. Now it will be difficult to do this.
ban on bulk connection
Earlier, companies could take multiple SIM cards simultaneously for their employees. But now bulk connections have been banned. Companies will now have to get KYC done separately for each employee.
Companies can now take only a maximum of 100 SIM cards at a time. For this also, the MD or authorized person of the company will have to get KYC done himself. This will stop fake companies from purchasing SIM cards in large numbers.
Dealer verification mandatory
Verification has been made mandatory for all dealers and retailers selling SIM cards. They will have to enter into agreements with telecom companies and submit their documents.
Dealers must submit the following documents:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- passport size photo
- Police Verification Certificate
Selling SIM cards without verification can result in a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and blacklisting for up to 3 years.
provision of blacklisting
In the new rules, there is a provision for strict action against misuse of SIM card. If a person misuses the SIM card, he can be blacklisted.
A blacklisted person will not be able to get a new SIM card for 6 months to 3 years. This includes the following offences:
- taking sim in someone else’s name
- sending fake messages
- committing cyber fraud
- other illegal activities
From 2025, all telecom companies will have to share information about blacklisted people. Due to this, such people will not be able to get a new SIM from anywhere.
action on inactive sim
Now the SIM card which remains unused for a long time can be switched off. If a SIM remains inactive for 30 days, its outgoing service will be stopped.
Incoming service will also be stopped if it remains inactive for 45 days. After this the SIM card will be completely deactivated. This will prevent misuse of unused SIM cards.
Voice and SMS plans separately
TRAI has instructed telecom companies to provide voice and SMS plans separately. Currently, most plans bundle data, voice and SMS together.
Users with other SIM cards will benefit from this. They will not have to take an expensive combo plan just to keep the number active. Also, feature phone users will also be able to get cheap plans.
Validity of special tariff voucher extended
TRAI has increased the validity of Special Tariff Voucher from 90 days to 365 days. This will free users from the hassle of recharging again and again.
Besides, the top-up voucher of Rs 10 will also have to be continued. If companies wish, they can also give top-up of more amount than this.
Color coding of recharge vouchers ended
Earlier there were different color codes for recharge vouchers. As:
- Green – Combo Voucher
- Orange – Talktime Voucher
- Blue – SMS Voucher
Now TRAI has ended this color coding system. With this, users will not get confused and they will be able to easily choose the plan of their need.
Impact of new rules
These new rules will affect both SIM card users and telecom companies:
- Users will have to be more careful while taking SIM
- Fake SIM cards will be banned
- cyber frauds will reduce
- Companies will have to follow strict rules
- Pressure will increase on small dealers
- Cheap voice+SMS plans will be available
- Recharges with longer validity will be available
Overall, these rules will make the SIM card ecosystem more secure and transparent. Although there may be some problems in the beginning, it will be beneficial in the long run.
Disclaimer
This article has been written for information purposes only. Although the information given herein has been taken from reliable sources, you should still consult the relevant authorities or experts before taking any action. The rules may change from time to time. Therefore, for latest updates, consider only the government website or authorized sources as reference.
