PTA SIM Limit: Regulator Considers Reducing Voice SIMs to Three per CNIC

PTA SIM Limit may be revised as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) considers reducing the maximum number of mobile voice SIMs registered against a single Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) from five to three, while increasing the permissible limit for data SIMs.

According to PTA officials, a principle decision has been taken to review the existing SIM issuance limits, primarily to curb the misuse of multiple voice connections in cybercrimes and other illegal activities.

Officials said an average mobile phone user generally operates two to three voice SIMs simultaneously, making the existing allowance of five voice SIMs per CNIC relatively high. They added that issuing a larger number of voice SIMs could create greater opportunities for misuse.

At the same time, the regulator is considering increasing the existing limit of three data SIMs per CNIC to accommodate growing demand for internet connectivity.

Officials said the expansion of 5G services and increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications would require more data connections, making a review of the existing regulatory framework necessary.

The proposed changes will be finalised after consultations with mobile phone operators.

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Under the current arrangement, a maximum of eight SIMs can be issued against a single CNIC, comprising five voice SIMs and three data SIMs.

However, officials said the existing limits would be reviewed in light of changing telecommunications requirements, security considerations and the expected expansion of 5G-enabled services.