DoT allows e-KYC for obtaining new mobile connections

Department of Telecommunications

In a move to enable contactless customer-centric processes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) enabled self-KYC for issuing mobile connections and conversion of prepaid to postpaid and vice-versa via an OTP-based process.

Under the new self-KYC process, allowed by the Centre on September 21, the issuing of a new mobile connection is done through an app/portal-based online process. The process enables customers to apply for a mobile connection from their home or office and get doorstep delivery of the SIM. The documentation for the same will be electronically verified by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) or DigiLocker.

As per a release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), in the current procedure, a subscriber has to undergo the KYC process which entails a visit to the Point of Sale and carry his/her original documents of identity and address proof for registering for a new mobile connection or conversion of mobile connection from prepaid to postpaid or vice-versa. Also, customer consent has been made compulsory in case the Aadhaar is being used and the customer’s demographic details are being obtained electronically from the UIDAI.

E-KYC process through Aadhaar has been re-introduced for obtaining new mobile connections. A fee of Rs 1 per customer will be charged from Telecom Service Providers for authentication by the UIDAI. Telecom Service Providers will receive the customer’s demographic details and picture online through UIDAI making this a completely paperless and digital procedure.

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This initiative of making the procedure to obtain a new mobile number online, contactless and paperless is a part of the wide-ranging telecom sector relief measures that the Centre introduced on September 15. These measures also include rationalisation of AGR definition to exclude non-telecom revenue, deferment of AGR and spectrum dues, among others.

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