PTA considers reducing voice SIM limit from five to three per CNIC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is considering reducing the maximum number of mobile phone voice SIMs allowed against a single Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) from five to three, while simultaneously increasing the permissible limit for data SIMs to facilitate growing connectivity requirements, particularly after the introduction of 5G services.

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

The officials said that an average mobile phone user generally operates two to three voice SIMs simultaneously, making the existing limit of five voice SIMs per CNIC relatively high. The issuance of a larger number of voice SIMs, they added, creates greater possibilities of misuse.

The PTA is also considering increasing the existing limit of three data SIMs per CNIC to accommodate the growing demand for data connectivity.

Officials said that the expansion of 5G services and the increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications would require a greater number of data SIMs, necessitating a review of the existing regulatory framework.

The proposed changes will be finalised after consultation with mobile phone operators, the officials added.

At present, a maximum of eight SIMs can be issued against a single CNIC under the existing arrangement, comprising five voice SIMs and three data SIMs.

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