New SIM card rules to be applicable in India, starting 1st December!

The government had introduced new SIM card rules in the month of August; however, its implementation, which was originally supposed to take place from the 1st of October onwards, was postponed to two months later.

 In a bid to tackle the rising cases of major scams carried out through SIM cards (for those who have watched Jamtara, you know what it is, and for those of you who haven’t, do give it a watch. It’s real.) The government came up with a set of rules, considering the severity of these SIM card frauds.

Hence, a little heads up for all those planning on buying new SIM cards, or if you are a SIM card seller yourself, the Department of Telecommunications has a set of rules that will be enforced starting today, i.e.,  December 1, 2023.

Numerous changes will be implemented under the rules, such as prohibiting the selling of SIM cards in bulk, requiring telecom operators to register PoS franchisees, agents, and distributors, and requiring police verification of SIM dealers, among other things.

These rules are as follows:

1. Those wishing to sell SIM cards or who are SIM card dealers will have to undergo a verification procedure and get their SIM cards registered when selling them. The telecom operators are responsible for the police verification. Failure to comply with this may result in a hefty fine of 10 lakh rupees.
2. Customers purchasing SIM cards for their existing cell numbers will have to submit their Aadhar Card as well as their demographic data. The data required will be captured using QR codes on the Aadhar card of the individual purchasing the SIM card. 
3. The bulk purchase of SIM cards has been barred by the government due to SIM card fraud; however, SIM cards required for events, business connections, and others will be allowed, with the customer complying with the KYC rules for the same.
4. Customers can purchase up to nine SIM cards on one ID.
5. New mobile numbers will be assigned to a new customer only after 90 days of disconnection by the previous customer.
6. If SIM card vendors have not registered by November 30th, a fine of up to Rs 10 lakhs is applicable, along with the possibility of imprisonment.
7. Sellers have 12 months’ time, starting on December 1, 2023, to comply with the new registration requirements.

These rules will help the system blacklist rogue vendors from the telecom systems. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, due to the purchase of SIM cards in bulk for fraudulent activities, the provision of bulk purchases has been completely scrapped. These rules will help stop fraudulent calls.