The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is considering a cut in the voice SIM limit from five to three per CNIC, according to officials familiar with the matter. The move is aimed at curbing the misuse of multiple SIMs in cybercrime and fraud.
Voice SIM Limit: What Is Being Considered
At present, one CNIC can be used to register up to eight SIMs: five for voice and three for data. Officials say the authority has decided in principle to review these caps. Under the proposal, the voice limit would drop to three, while the data SIM limit could be raised above the current three.
Why PTA Wants the Change
- Cybercrime: Several SIMs registered under one identity can be used for scams, harassment and other illegal activity.
- Real usage: Officials note that most subscribers use only two or three voice SIMs at a time, so a limit of five is relatively high.
- Data demand: Growing internet use, IoT devices and the expected expansion of 5G are likely to increase the need for data connections.
How the Voice SIM Limit Change Affects You
Nothing changes yet. No decision has been formally adopted, and the existing limits of five voice and three data SIMs per CNIC remain in force. If the cap is eventually cut to three, people holding four or five voice SIMs on one CNIC may have to deactivate the extra ones. Families that have registered SIMs for relatives on their own CNIC should check what is registered in their name.
| Category | Current limit | Under consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Voice SIMs per CNIC | 5 | 3 |
| Data SIMs per CNIC | 3 | Higher than 3 |
What Happens Next
PTA is expected to consult mobile network operators before any final decision. The authority has not announced a timeline, or what will happen to existing SIMs above the new limit. Subscribers can check the SIMs registered on their CNIC through PTA’s official services.
For official updates, visit the PTA website.
Read More: PTA issues urgent biometric safety warning for mobile users
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