In Bangladesh, mobile phone usage is not limited to communication. It has become essential for internet browsing, mobile banking, social networking, official work, and even education. The core component of mobile usage is the SIM card. However, many have unknowingly or deliberately registered numerous SIMs under their names. Some have 10 or 15 active SIMs, most of which might not even be in use.
Moreover, many people are unaware of how many SIMs are registered under their names, which can pose risks. Unused but registered SIMs also make it challenging to determine the actual number of mobile phone users accurately.
Considering this, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recently announced a significant notice on their official Facebook page and website. It states that if an individual has more SIMs than a specified limit, the extra SIMs must be de-registered by October 30, 2025, by visiting the customer care of the respective mobile operator. In other words, users must cancel the registration of their extra SIMs.
Why This Decision?
Having an excessive number of SIMs under one person’s name can lead to national security issues, fraud, cybercrime, and even personal problems. Fake or misregistered SIMs are often used in criminal activities. Innocent people might not even realize that SIMs are active under their names, which they have never used. There have been reports of retailers registering SIMs under others’ names without informing them.
To avoid such situations, biometric SIM registration was introduced in 2015. Since then, SIM registration is ensured by matching each citizen’s name, national ID, and fingerprints.
In 2022, BTRC announced in a notice that a customer could have a maximum of 15 SIMs registered under their name. However, there have been reports of unintentional registrations still occurring. Moreover, it is claimed that this affects competition among operators. To improve the situation and make the SIM management more transparent and regulated, BTRC has taken another step. They have further reduced the limit on the number of SIMs one can have under their name.
New Rules Allow a Maximum of 10 SIMs per Person
According to BTRC’s new directive in 2025, now a user can have a maximum of 10 SIMs registered under their name. Any excess must be de-registered within a specified time. Previously, many collected multiple SIMs for various needs or unknowingly. Some even registered family members’ SIMs under their names. But now, a limit has been set to bring transparency to SIM management and reduce misuse. This limit is applicable only for personal use. However, different rules may apply for corporate or official customers.
For those who work as Bkash/Nagad agents, mobile recharge businesses, or resellers, there might be an opportunity to get additional SIM approval by showing necessary documents. But for ordinary citizens, the maximum SIM limit is 10. Therefore, find out how many SIMs are registered under your name and de-register any excess before it’s too late. Otherwise, they might be automatically closed, or you might face complications in getting new SIMs.
How to Check How Many SIMs Are Registered Under Your Name?
You don’t need to go anywhere to find out. You can easily know how many SIMs are active under your NID and which operators they belong to.
Dial from your mobile: *16001#
Then, in the reply option, provide the last four digits of your national ID. Within moments, you’ll receive an SMS notification showing which mobile operator has how many SIMs registered under your name.
This method is free and can be used anytime. Knowing this is very important because if a SIM registered under your name is used by someone else, you might be held responsible.
What to Do If You Have More Than 10 SIMs?
If you find that more than 10 SIMs are active under your name, immediate action should be taken. Unused or unknown SIMs need to be de-registered by October 30, 2025.
For this, you need to visit the nearest customer care center of the respective mobile operator in person and apply. You must carry your national ID (NID) and possibly provide fingerprint verification.
If you’re unsure about the operator, dial *16001# first to find out.
What Happens If You Don’t De-register Extra SIMs?
According to the latest notice, BTRC hasn’t specified any particular action yet. However, after October 30, 2025, any extra SIMs that are not de-registered may be automatically deactivated. Additionally, there could be obstacles in registering new SIMs in the future.
Furthermore, if unknown SIMs registered under your name are used for criminal activities, you might also face complications.
Who Should Pay Attention to This Rule?
This new rule primarily targets those who have multiple SIMs active under their names, such as:
- Bkash/Nagad/Rocket agents
- Resellers and mobile flexiload businesses
- Individuals who have registered family members’ SIMs under their names
- Any user with multiple connections
If you fall into these categories, now is the time to verify your mobile numbers.
Steps to Take at a Glance
If you want to participate in this process, follow these steps:
1. Dial *16001# from your phone
2. Enter the last four digits of your NID number
3. You will receive an SMS about how many SIMs are active under your name
4. Identify unused extra SIMs if more than 10
5. Visit the customer care of the respective mobile operator to de-register
6. Keep your national ID with you, fingerprint verification may also be required
Knowing and managing the number of SIMs active under your name is now a matter of awareness. As technology advances, cyber crimes become more complex. As a responsible citizen, we should ensure that all SIMs under our identity are accounted for and unnecessary ones are deactivated. This not only ensures personal safety but also makes the national telecommunication system safer and more efficient.
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