Mobile phone is important news for users. From 2025, many new rules related to SIM card are going to be implemented. 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) together have 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. Also, there are many new responsibilities on telecom companies. Let’s know in detail about these new rules.
Sim Card Rules 2025: At a glance
| Description | New rule |
| KYC process | Digital KYC mandatory |
| Number of sim cards | A person can keep a maximum of 9 sim |
| Bulk connection | Are closed |
| Dealer verification | Has been made mandatory |
| Blacklisting | New sim will not be available from 6 months to 3 years |
| Inactive sim | Outgoing after 30 days, 45 days after incoming closed |
| Voice+SMS Plan | Will have to provide separate |
| Special tariff voucher | Validity increased from 90 days to 365 days |
Digital KYC became compulsory
The digital KYC process has been made mandatory for taking SIM cards since 2025. Now you will not have to submit photocopies of documents. Instead, the KYC will be completed by scanning the QR code of the Aadhaar card. This will prevent the use of fake documents.
For Digital KYC you have to follow the following steps:
- Get Aadhar Card QR Code Scan
- Get your photo taken
- Get fingerprint or iris scan
- Get otp verification done
This process will make it easier and safe to take a SIM card. Also, the possibility of issuing fake SIM cards will also be reduced.
Limit on number of SIM cards
Under the new rules, a person can keep a maximum of 9 SIM cards. In Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states, this limit is up to 6 SIM cards. Action can be taken on keeping more SIMs than this.
This rule has been brought to prevent misuse of SIM card. Many people used several SIM cards and used in illegal activities. Now it will be difficult to do so.
Ban on bulk connection
Earlier companies could take several SIM cards for their employees simultaneously. But now bulk connection has been banned. Companies will now have to get KYC separately for each employee.
Companies can now take a maximum of 100 SIM cards at a time. For this also the MD or authorized person of the company will have to do KYC himself. This will prevent a large number of SIM cards by fake companies.
Dealer verification mandatory
Verification has been made mandatory for all dealers and retailers selling SIM cards. They have to make an agreement with telecom companies and submit their documents.
Dealers will have to submit the following documents:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Passport Size Photo
- Police Verification Certificate
Selling SIM card without verification can cause a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and a blacklisting of up to 3 years.
Provision of blacklisting
In the new rules, provision has been made for strict action on misuse of SIM cards. If a person misuses a SIM card, he can be blacklisted.
A blacklisted person will not get a new SIM card from 6 months to 3 years. This includes the following crimes:
- Take a sim in the name of another
- Sending fake messages
- Cyber fraud
- Other illegal activities
From 2025, all telecom companies will have to share the information of blacklisted people. With this, such people will not get a new SIM from anywhere.
Action on inactive sim
Now the SIM cards that have been lying without use for a long time can be discontinued. If a SIM remains inactive for 30 days, its outgoing service will be discontinued.
If you remain inactive for 45 days, incoming service will also be closed. After this, the SIM card will be fully deactivated. This will prevent misuse of useless SIM cards.
Voice and SMS plan separately
TRAI has instructed telecom companies to make voice and SMS plans available separately. Currently, most of the plan contains data, voice and SMS simultaneously.
This will benefit users with other SIM cards. They will not have to take expensive combo plan just to keep the number active. Also, feature phone users will also be able to get cheap plans.
Special tariff voucher’s validity increased
TRAI has increased the validity of the special tariff voucher from 90 days to 365 days. This will relieve users from the hassle of repeated recharge.
Also, the top-up voucher of 10 rupees will also have to be continued. If companies want, they can also give top-up of more amount than this.
Recharge voucher color coding ends
The first recharge vouchers had different color codes. As:
- Green – Combo Voucher
- Orange – talk time voucher
- Blue – SMS voucher
Now TRAI has abolished this color coding system. With this, users will not get confusion and they will be able to easily choose their needs plan.
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 card will be stopped
- Cyber frauds will be less
- Companies have to follow strict rules
- Pressure on small dealers will increase
- Cheap Voice+SMS Plan will be found
- Long validity recharge will be available
Overall, these rules will make the SIM card ecosystem more secure and transparent. Although there may be some troubles in the beginning, it will benefit in the long run.
Rejuvenation
This article has been written only for the purpose of information. Although the information given in it has been taken from reliable sources, you should consult the concerned authorities or experts before any action. The rules may change from time to time. Therefore, consider the official website or authorized sources for the latest updates as reference.
