SIM Slot Shrinks: BTRC Lowers Limit to 10 per User
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has reduced the maximum number of SIM cards that can be registered under a single customer's name from 15 to 10. The decision, reportedly part of a global best practice initiative and taken in the interest of national security, marks a significant policy shift in the country's telecom regulation.
According to BTRC sources, data shows that customers with 15 SIM cards from the same operator typically use no more than six at a time. Moreover, only about 3.45% of total SIM users in the country possess more than 10 SIMs under their name.
Regulators believe this measure will also help curb the illicit practice by unscrupulous retailers of storing biometric data to register excess SIMs illegally.
The earlier limit of 15 SIM cards per National ID was introduced in October 2017. Later, in October 2022, BTRC issued a notification requesting users with more than 15 SIMs to deactivate the excess while retaining their preferred numbers. This was followed by a lottery process to deactivate additional SIMs beyond the permissible limit.
The new regulation is expected to enhance security, reduce misuse, and align the country’s practices with international standards.
