New rules under Telecom Act could result in jail-time for misusing SIM card, know the details

With the passage of the Telecommunication Act 2023, there have been substantial modifications to SIM card ownership. The new rules restrict the number of SIM cards that can be issued under a single Aadhaar card.

SIM card limits

The new regulations allow people to have up to nine SIM cards linked to their Aadhaar card. However, due to security concerns, this limit is lowered to six SIM cards in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Assam.

Penalties for Overholding SIM Cards

There could be steep fines for using SIM cards excessively. A fine of up to ₹50000 is possible for inexperienced infringers. Repeat offenders could be fined up to ₹2 lakh. While owning multiple SIM cards is not illegal in and of itself, using them for financial or nefarious gain can result in fines of up to ₹50 lakh and a three-year jail sentence.

Tracking and blocking SIM cards

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has set up a portal for tracking SIM cards issued under your Aadhaar card in order to combat illicit activities. This system aids in the identification and blocking of phony SIM cards.

How to Detect Fake SIM Cards

To identify and manage fake SIM cards linked to your Aadhaar, follow these steps:

1. To detect a fake SIM card, first you have to visit the Sanchar Sathi portal at www.sancharsathi.gov.in.
2. After this, you will have to visit the home page, where you will go to the mobile connection option.
3. After this, you have to enter the 10-digit mobile number, which is linked to your Aadhaar card.
4. After this, a captcha code has to be entered.
5. After this, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, through which the mobile number will have to be verified.
6. After this, a new page will appear, from which the entered fake SIM can be blocked.