ICASA wants to cap you at 5 SIM cards per network. What changes
ICASA has proposed a cap of five mobile numbers per person per network, biometric checks against Home Affairs records for new SIMs and stricter SIM swap rules. Here's what changes, when, and how to comment.
ICASA wants to cap the number of mobile numbers a person can hold at five per network, and to make every new or reactivated SIM pass a fingerprint or face check against Home Affairs records. The proposals were published in the Government Gazette on 28 October 2026 and are open for public comment.
Nothing changes for your SIMs yet. These are draft rules, and the parts that affect cellphone users would only start 12 months after the final version is published, according to the gazette.
What exactly is ICASA proposing?
The draft Numbering Plan Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2026 add a new rule that a network "must limit the assignment of mobile numbers to a maximum of five (5) mobile numbers per subscriber", the gazette shows.
The other big changes, all from the same notice:
| Proposal | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Five numbers per network | Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and others could each give you no more than five numbers |
| Biometric check | Activating or reactivating a number would need a biometric match with Home Affairs records |
| Existing customers | Networks would have two years to biometrically verify people who already have SIMs |
| SIM swaps | A swap must be refused if your identity doesn't match the network's records |
| Visitors on a visa | Numbers for foreign visitors stay active only for the visa period or 90 days |
| Companies | Numbers held by companies are exempt from the biometric and SIM limit rules |
Sources: ICASA notice 4217 of 2026, Government Gazette 55631; MyBroadband.
Can I still have more than five SIM cards?
Yes, if they're spread across networks. ICASA says in its explanatory memo that the cap "is per licensee and not collectively across all networks", so in practice one person could still hold more than 20 numbers across different operators, the gazette states.
ICASA based the number on South Africa having about 117.3 million mobile subscriptions for roughly 63 million people, an average of 2.79 per person, and households of about 3.2 to 3.4 people, according to the memo.
The draft doesn't say what happens to people who already have more than five numbers on one network. That's one of the details likely to come up in public comments.
Why does ICASA want this?
ICASA says the aim is to close a gap "exploited by criminal elements" when numbers are handed out, push networks to properly know their customers, and protect consumers, the notice says. The stricter SIM swap check targets a common route for bank and WhatsApp account takeovers, where a fraudster gets your number moved to a new SIM.
ICASA also notes that most networks told it in 2025 they already use biometric checks, but mostly only for contract (postpaid) customers, the memo says. The new rule would extend that to prepaid.
This biometric check is separate from the RICA registration you already do when buying a SIM, ICASA says.
What happens to my fingerprint and face data?
Under the draft, biometric data may only be used to verify your identity, the gazette says. Networks would have to delete your verification records within 30 days after a number is deactivated, unless the law, a contract or your own consent allows them to keep it.
What fines could networks face?
The draft sets fines for networks, not customers, the gazette shows:
| Rule broken | Fine per contravention |
|---|---|
| Skipping biometric checks or SIM swap record rules | R2 million to R4 million |
| Breaking the five-number cap or SIM swap identity check | R1 million |
| Smaller admin rules | R50,000 |
How do I comment, and by when?
Comments must reach ICASA within 30 working days of 28 October 2026, by email to [email protected], according to the notice. Counting working days, that lands around 9 or 10 December 2026 (Reported's calculation, depending on public holidays). Enquiries go to Elias Letlape on 012 568 3323 or [email protected].
You can ask for parts of your submission to be kept confidential, and say if you want to speak at any public hearings ICASA holds.
FAQ
Is the five SIM card limit law yet?
No. ICASA published it as a draft for public comment on 28 October 2026. The parts affecting cellphone users would start 12 months after the final rules are published.
Is the limit five SIMs in total or per network?
Per network. ICASA says the cap applies per licensee, so you could still have numbers on several networks.
Will I need a fingerprint or face scan to get a SIM?
Under the draft, yes. Activating or reactivating a number would need biometric verification against Home Affairs records, and networks would have two years to verify existing customers.
How do I comment on ICASA's SIM card rules?
Email [email protected] within 30 working days of 28 October 2026.