DNA Verified: Did TRAI issue new rules about 90-day SIM card validity without recharge? Know truth here

TRAI has reacted to recent reports that claimed existing SIM cards will remain active for 90 days even without recharge. The reports stated that the decision was issued in new rules of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). However, the telecom regulator has denied these claims, calling them misleading and ensuring that no new rules have been issued regarding this matter. 

The claims came days after telecom operators announced voice and SMS-only plans, which is in accordance with a TRAI mandate about having plans without data bundled in. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), TRAI said that no new rules have been issued. It also clarified that the current rules about SIM card validity have been in existence for 11 years. "As per TCPR (6th amendment), no mobile connection of a prepaid consumer is de-activated for non-usage for minimum period of ninety days if amount exceeding twenty rupees or such lesser amount is available in account of such consumer. This amendment is 11 years old regarding non deactivation of connection/ Automatic number retention in case of non-usage provided minimum balance is maintained," clarified TRAI.

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— TRAI (@TRAI) January 23, 2025

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