01.12.2025 08:35
The omnibus bill presented to the Turkish Grand National Assembly introduces significant changes to mobile phone subscriptions. SIM cards cannot be activated with documents that do not have identity verification, special numbers will be issued for foreigners, and inactive lines will be automatically canceled within three months.
The new omnibus bill presented to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey includes regulations that will completely change mobile phone subscription processes. With the amendment to the Electronic Communications Law No. 5809, operators will not be allowed to open lines with documents that do not have identity verification features.
In the new system, subscription registration will be carried out by verifying the person's identity with biometric information such as an official identity document, facial recognition, fingerprint summary, or identity verification password.
OBLIGATION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS FOR FOREIGNERS
The bill also introduces new rules for mobile line transactions of foreign nationals. Foreigners who cannot present documents suitable for electronic identity verification will have their identity and biometric data requested by the operator from the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Diplomats and their families will be exempt from this regulation.
With the new application, special number series will be allocated to foreign nationals. Lines of foreigners who do not update or verify their identity information will be closed within one month after the expiration of the given period. Additionally, foreigners will be granted a six-month period to comply with the new rules for their existing lines.
LINES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE IN 3 MONTHS
The bill also imposes significant responsibilities on operators. Accordingly, companies will confirm every three months whether subscribers are alive and whether legal entities are still active with official authorities. Subscriptions that cannot be verified will be automatically canceled.
LIMIT ON NUMBER OF LINES PER PERSON
Operators will be prevented from opening an unlimited number of lines in the name of a single person. If the upper limit determined by the BTK is exceeded, new subscriptions will not be allowed, and services will not be provided for excess lines.
A fine of 20,000 lira will be imposed on operators for each line that violates the regulation.
OBJECTIVE: TO PREVENT LINES USED IN CRIME
The bill emphasizes the aim of preventing fraud and criminal organizations carried out through numerous fake or unverified lines. It particularly targets the rapid detection and closure of lines used in bank fraud, identity theft, and illegal transactions.