Question : SIM CARDS



(a) whether there is number of bogus SIM cards in the country including Maharashtra;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SACHIN PILOT)

(a) & (b) Instances of issue of SIM cards on fake credentials by Telecom Service Providers have been reported. There are 34 TERM (Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring) Cells in the country covering all Licensing Service. Areas TERM cells Audit Customer Acquisition forms (CAF) per month on sample basis. CAF should be filled by customer before issue of SIM card. The details of passed percentage of CAF on PIA (Photo, Identity, Address) basis for whole country (including Maharastra) for last 2 years is given below:

S.No.	Passed percentage	Passed percentage	for year 2008	for year 2009
All India Basis Approx. 84% Approx. 91%

(c) Financial penalties are imposed on Telecom service Providers per failed sample on graded basis ranging from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 50000/-. In case of forgery FIR / police complaints are also lodged.