GUWAHATI: Starting December 1, 2023, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is gearing up to implement new SIM card regulations, initially announced in August of this year.
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Here are the key highlights from the updated regulations regarding SIM card verification:
• Compulsory Verification for Vendors: Under the new guidelines, all SIM card vendors are required to undergo police and biometric verification, accompanied by mandatory registration. The telecom operator will conduct the verification of SIM card dealers, and any breach of this rule could lead to a penalty of up to ₹10 lakhs.
• 12-Month Compliance Window: A 12-month grace period has been granted by the government for existing sellers to adhere to the registration norms. This verification process aims to facilitate the identification, blacklisting, and removal of unauthorised sellers from the system.
• Demographic Data Collection: As part of Know Your Customer (KYC) reforms, customer demographic details will be obtained by scanning the QR code on the printed Aadhaar when acquiring new SIMs or applying for a fresh SIM on an existing number.
• No Bulk Issuance of SIM Cards: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has discontinued the provision for bulk connections, replacing it with the concept of business connections. Besides business KYC verification, the person receiving the SIM will also undergo KYC. Individuals can still obtain up to nine SIMs based on a single identification.
• SIM Disconnection: In the event of a SIM disconnection, the mobile number will be reassigned to a new customer after 90 days. For replacements, subscribers must complete the KYC process, with a 24-hour restriction on outgoing and incoming SMS facilities.
In an earlier set of reforms introduced earlier this year, the government launched the Sanchar Saathi portal for reporting stolen or lost mobile handsets and blocking them. Additionally, an AI-based software called ASTR was introduced to identify illegal mobile connections.