India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will be implementing new SIM card rules starting from December 1, 2023, in an effort to crack down on fraud. The rules, originally announced on August 1, 2023, were initially set to come into effect on October 1, 2023 but were delayed two months.
The new regulations aim to address frauds such as SIM swap scams and the use of fake SIM cards for online fraud. There are several key changes being made with the introduction of these new SIM card rules.
E-KYC, or digital KYC, will now be mandatory for anyone applying for a new SIM card or seeking to replace a card for their existing number. This means that a copy of ID proof will no longer be sufficient for obtaining a SIM card.
Additionally, restrictions are being placed on the issuance of bulk SIM cards. While businesses will still have access to bulk SIMs, regular users will be limited to obtaining up to nine SIMs on a single ID.
Another important change concerns the re-issuance of inactive SIM cards. SIMs that have been deactivated cannot be re-issued for a 90-day period, providing ample time for users to reactivate their connections and ensuring that the SIM is not issued to someone else.
From December 1, 2023, only authorized dealers will be able to issue SIM cards to customers. Comprehensive verification processes will be required for those wishing to become authorized dealers, and penalties of up to ₹10 lakh could be imposed on individuals issuing SIM cards without proper authorization.
These new SIM card rules are expected to have a significant impact on the way SIM cards are issued and used in the country. The DoT is hopeful that these changes will help reduce instances of fraud and protect consumers from potential scams.
In addition to the business implications, consumers will also need to remain updated on the latest smartphone releases and trends, such as the rise in car prices in January and upcoming smartphone launches in December 2023.