(a) whether a large number of cases were reported across the country regarding selling of preactivated SIM cards to ISI spies and others;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the measures being taken to prevent such sale of SIM cards to unauthorized persons?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c): Instances of sale of pre-activated SIM cards by the Telecom Service Providers have been reported from different parts of the country. As and when such instances come to the notice of security / intelligence agencies, they initiate action under the relevant provisions of law and also inform the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for necessary action in the matter.
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L.S.US.Q.NO.1633 FOR 8.3.2016
The Government of India has issued instructions vide DoT letter no. 800-09/20010-VAS dated 9th August, 2012, on verification of new mobile subscribers to all the Telecom Service Providers. As per these instructions, pre-activated SIM Card is not to be sold. In case of sale of pre-activated SIM cards, in addition to immediate disconnection of such mobile connection, a penalty of Rs. 50,000/- per such connection is also levied on the Telecom Service Provider.
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