Last December, the Central Government introduced the new Telecom Bill in the Lok Sabha, which was subsequently approved by the President. Certain sections of the new Telecom Act of 2023 are set to be implemented from June 26, which includes strict provisions related to purchasing SIM cards, fake connections, and call tapping. Notably, this new Telecom Act can lead to severe consequences for individuals found in possession of more than 9 SIM SIM cards.
Upon the implementation of the Telecom Act 2023, the 150-year-old Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 will be replaced, and the new Telecom Act will also abolish the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. The government has incorporated numerous provisions in the new Telecom Act to combat fake SIM cards and fraud, including imprisonment and significant fines.
SIM card regulations
Individuals found to have procured more than 9 SIM SIM cards using their Aadhaar card may face a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first offence and up to Rs 2 lakh for subsequent offences.
Additionally, those who fraudulently use another person's ID to purchase a SIM card may be subject to a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. This also applies to SIM card spoofing, which involves concealing one's identity from the recipient.
Furthermore, telecom operators will be required to verify users solely through biometric-based identification, such as the Aadhaar card.
How many SIMs have been issued on your Aadhaar card?
Individuals can check the number of SIM cards issued against their Aadhaar card online.
- To do so, they must visit the government's portal at Sancharsathi.gov.in and select the mobile connection option.
- Subsequently, they should enter their 10-digit mobile number, input the provided captcha code, and enter the OTP (One Time Password) received on their mobile device.
- A new page will then display all the mobile numbers issued against their Aadhaar card.
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