In India, the Aadhaar card has become one of the most closely scrutinized means of identity.Services that Aadhaar is supposedly impacting include mobile numbers. It is a question worth pondering how many SIMs can be allotted to a single UID?

Government Rules on Mobile Numbers Associated with Aadhaar

The Department of Telecommunications has limited the number of mobile connections that can be issued against one Aadhaar.According to the current rules:

An Aadhaar cardholder can register up to 9 mobile numbers with all the telecom operators.

This is per person, irrespective of the telecom operator.

If a person needs more than 9 mobile connections, he or she needs to provide a reason and get approval from the telecom company and respective authorities.

This rule is applied strictly to avoid misuse and maintain security in the telecom industry.

Why Is There a Limit on Mobile Numbers Per Aadhaar?

The government places this limit for numerous reasons:

Preventing Fraud and Identity Theft – A limited number of mobile connections per Aadhaar prevents deceptive activities like SIM swapping, misuse of duplicate identities, and illegal mobile number registration.

Improving National Security – By limiting the number of SIM cards linked to each Aadhaar, security agencies can track suspicious activities more efficiently and fight mobile-based cybercrimes.

Better User Management – Telecom companies can manage their user database more efficiently, making it easy to trace SIM card ownership.

Preventing Unsolicited Calls and Scams – Most scam call centers and scam activities depend on acquiring multiple SIM cards. Placing a limit per Aadhaar discourages such activities.

How to Check the Mobile Numbers Associated with Your Aadhaar

The procedure to verify mobile numbers linked with your Aadhaar is given below.

1. The very first step is to log onto the TAFCOP Portal (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) at tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in.
2. Then, enter your mobile number and ask for OTP verification.
3. After successful OTP verification, all the mobile numbers associated with your Aadhaar will be shown.

In the case of any unwanted numbers, reporting for deactivation is possible. It is recommended to check from time to time the mobile numbers associated with your Aadhaar for security and to curb any possible misuse. When getting a new mobile number associated with Aadhaar, the steps below can be followed:

1. Go to a Telecom Operator’s Store by visiting authorized stores of one of the mobile service providers a telecom operator like Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL, etc.
2. Thereafter, prove your Aadhaar details by showing your Aadhaar card as proof of identity.
3. Biometric verification requires a fingerprint or iris scan.
4. Choose a mobile plan based on your requirements-either prepaid or post-paid.
5. The new SIM card shall be activated in a few hours after the completion of verification.

What to Do: Nine SIM cards and require a new number

If you are above nine SIM cards and require a new number, you need to follow the procedure below:

Surrender an existing SIM by deactivating any unused number.

Request deactivation by calling your telecom provider and asking for the cancellation of an old number.

Also, give a reason for any additional numbers needed; if additional SIM cards are needed for professional or business purposes, write a request letter to your telecom provider along with the documents required.

Apply for a Business or Enterprise SIM – Business companies and organizations can buy more than 9 SIM cards under business accounts.

Can You Delete a Mobile Number from Your Aadhaar?

Yes, if you have unwanted mobile numbers linked with your Aadhaar, you can:

• Visit the Telecom Operator’s Shop – Request deletion of unwanted mobile numbers.
• Use the TAFCOP Portal:  To report unwanted mobile numbers that are unknown to you.
• Call Telecom Customer Care – Call your telecom company’s customer care to deactivate those unwanted numbers.
• File a Complaint: If your name has unauthorized SIM cards activated, DoT or cybercrime police could be approached to file a complaint in this regard.

Why It is Important to Update Aadhaar-Linked Numbers

Tracking the mobile numbers linked with your Aadhaar is necessary because:

Avoiding Unwanted Charges – If your SIM is misused in your name, you can be held responsible for any illegal transactions or payments made with it.

Preventing SIM Card Cloning – Miscreants can use your mobile number to execute OTP-based scams, mobile banking scams, and phishing.

Ensuring Easy Access to Services – Government and banking services require OTP authentication linked with your Aadhaar-enrolled mobile number.

Can I enroll more than 9 SIM cards under my Aadhaar?

Yes, but you must provide convincing grounds before getting permission from your telecom company to do so.

How can I tell whether my Aadhaar is connected to a mobile number?

You can confirm this from the TAFCOP portal (tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in) by simply putting in your mobile number.

What if an unwanted number is linked to my Aadhaar?

It should be reported immediately on the TAFCOP portal or deactivated by your telecom service provider.

Is Aadhaar Linking To A Mobile Number Compulsory?

Aadhaar linking is an option according to the Supreme Court ruling; however, telecom operators still insisted on it as one of their verification processes.

Can I deactivate an Aadhaar-linked old number?

Yes, you can ask for its deactivation from your telecom service provider or the TAFCOP portal.

Conclusion

A single Aadhaar card can assist in procuring a maximum of nine mobile connections, thereby ensuring proper identity verification and security. This has been done by the government to avoid misuse and fraud. Users must verify their Aadhaar-linked numbers from time to time through the TAFCOP portal and report any unauthorized numbers to ensure safety. Monitoring one’s linked mobile numbers is essential to ensure privacy, avoid fraud, and ensure easy access to digital services.