Maximum 10 SIMs in one name: BTRC takes new decision

From now on, a mobile subscriber in Bangladesh can register a maximum of 10 mobile SIMs using his or her national identity card. Until now, this limit was 15. But according to the new decision, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has reduced this number to 10.

According to information received from BTRC sources on Saturday (May 24), this decision has been taken taking into account international practice, national security, and the socio-economic reality of the country. BTRC said that if there is an opportunity to keep an additional SIM in the name of a subscriber, it can create obstacles in controlling criminal activities, fraud and extortion. Therefore, the limit has been reduced.

As a result of this change, it is known that about 6.7 million additional SIMs in the names of about 2.6 million subscribers may be deactivated or closed. The process of closing the SIMs of subscribers who have more than 10 SIMs registered in their names will begin in phases. BTRC will issue separate instructions to mobile operators in this regard.

A BTRC official said, “In 2017, a maximum limit of 15 SIMs was set for a customer for the first time. At that time, this number was somewhat reasonable, but now the pattern of technology use has changed. We have reduced the limit to 10 to ensure security and accurate information.”

He added that this decision to reduce the SIM limit will largely control the use of fake NIDs, illegal SIM use, and telecom fraud. In addition, the government’s security agencies will also be able to play a more effective role in verifying information.

Incidentally, in October 2022, the BTRC had informed through a notification that those who have more than 15 SIMs in their names should keep 15 of their choice and deregister the extra ones. Customers who did not do so had their extra SIMs deactivated later through a lottery.

Currently, the BTRC has not officially said anything about when the new 10 SIM limit policy will come into effect. However, it is expected that the implementation of this decision will start soon in multiple phases. New instructions in this regard will be sent to mobile operators and customers will also be informed through SMS or notification.

Customer Action:
For mobile subscribers who currently have more than 10 SIMs registered in their name, it is important to follow the instructions below:

Check how many SIMs are in your name (method given below)

If there are more than 10 SIMs, keep the SIM of your choice and deregister the remaining SIMs

If you do not deregister yourself, BTRC may block any SIM through lottery

If necessary, contact the customer care of the concerned mobile operator

Do not let anyone else use your National Identity Card (NID) for SIM registration

Rules for checking SIM (according to NID):
With the following method, you can easily know how many SIMs have been registered with your National Identity Card and which operator's SIM you have—

For all operators:
1. Dial from your mobile:
*16001#

2. Then write and send your NID number

3. You will be informed via SMS in a few moments about how many SIMs are registered in your name

Alternatively, you can also find out via SMS:
SMS: info <space> NID number
Send to: 16001

BTRC official links and sources:
BTRC official website:
https://www.btrc.gov.bd

SIM registration check/information verification portal:
https://simreg.btrc.gov.bd

Email for complaints or contact:
info@btrc.gov.bd, BTRC helpline: 100

Warning:
BTRC has stated that keeping an extra SIM may be considered a violation of the law. Therefore, it is requested to use the SIM within the prescribed limit. Legal complications may arise if you allow someone else to register a SIM with your NID or if you use a registered SIM without your knowledge.