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Russia Enforces 20-SIM Limit as Carriers Begin Blocking Excess Lines Nov. 1

Officials say the limit is designed to curb phone fraud tied to illicit SIM trade.

Overview

  • If subscribers do not cancel surplus contracts, operators must terminate service across all numbers registered to that person, including corporate lines.
  • Carriers are required from Nov. 1 to shut off any number with unconfirmed subscriber data.
  • Initial compliance checks will prioritize contracts signed before April 1, 2025, when sales to customers already holding 20 numbers were first barred.
  • SIM cards used in cars, home appliances, and other connected devices count toward the 20-line cap, experts noted.
  • Users can review and cancel unused lines via the Gosuslugi SIM-cards service or with their operator, and disconnections may take several days to complete.