App-based communication service providers and Indian telecom companies are in disagreement over the SIMs-binding rules set by the Department of Telecommunications, that followed by the end of February 2026.
Will SIMs binding rules disrupts user experience?
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), which represents over 750 digital service providers in the country urged the communications ministry to retract the directions requiring SIMs to tied to devices. They argue that this would disrupt services for millions of individual and business users.
In a letter to the ministry sent last week, which Business Standard has reviewed, the industry group proposed forming a technical working group with all stakeholders to assess the feasibility of the requirement. This group would evaluate costs, user impact, and possible alternatives.
Users frustrate with DoT for issuing this mandatory rule
The rules issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28 require app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to enforce constant SIM-binding for platforms that provide communication services in India and use mobile numbers for identification or service delivery.
These rules also require mandatory logouts every six hours for the web and desktop versions of these applications. Additionally, the DoT has instructed the apps to prevent users without active SIMs cards from accessing their services.
Read also: West Bengal Draft Voters List 2026 Published Under SIR