A major update regarding SIM cards has just been released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). With increasing incidents of SIM-related fraud, TRAI frequently makes changes to telecom regulations to protect users. The latest announcement is particularly important for users who have multiple SIM cards—especially if one of them is inactive.
According to a recent report by TRAI, over 30 million SIM cards in India are currently inactive and not being used or recharged. TRAI has suggested that such unused SIMs might soon be deactivated. So, if you have an inactive SIM card, this news could be relevant for you.
TRAI’s New Regulation on SIM Cards
If you use dual SIMs in your mobile phone and one of them remains deactivated or unused, TRAI has instructed telecom operators to impose a charge on such inactive SIM cards. This fee could be collected either as a monthly recharge or as an annual payment.
As of March 2024, India had around 1.19 billion active SIM cards, out of which nearly 300 million are inactive or not in regular use. Many people use dual SIM smartphones but only actively use one SIM, leaving the second idle. This situation is reportedly causing a shortage of available SIM numbers, prompting TRAI to propose stricter policies.
Who Might Be Affected by These Charges?
At this stage, TRAI has asked telecom companies, not users, to bear the cost for inactive SIM cards. However, there is a strong possibility that operators might pass on this cost to consumers, which could increase financial pressure on the general public.
The main targets of this rule would be users who neither recharge their SIM cards nor use them for incoming or outgoing calls—yet their SIMs remain active. Whether or not telecom companies will start charging these users directly has not yet been confirmed.
Will There Be a Penalty for Using Two SIMs?
A rumor has recently gone viral on social media claiming that users with two SIM cards will have to pay a penalty. However, TRAI has officially denied this rumor and clarified that no such fine will be imposed on users just for owning two SIM cards.
The current regulation is focused solely on addressing the burden of inactive SIMs. While TRAI has asked operators to manage this issue, there’s no directive for end-users to pay a penalty as of now.
Final Note
If you own multiple SIM cards, it’s advisable to ensure they are in use or properly recharged. While the new rules are still being shaped, staying updated and proactive can help avoid any unexpected charges in the future.
