Telecom ministry enables self-KYC for mobile connections
In a bid to enable contactless and customer-centric authentication to the mobile users, the Department of Telecom on Tuesday allowed self-KYC for the mobile users. The new system will allow the users to get their KYC done from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Self-KYC has been enabled for issuing new mobile connections and conversion of SIM cards from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa. The new process has been made OTP-based for the ease of the users.
According to the notification, “the issuing of mobile connection to the customers is done through an App/Portal based online process wherein a customer can apply for mobile connection sitting at home/office and gets the SIM delivered at his doorstep using documents electronically verified by UIDAI or DigiLocker.”
The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) will be charged 1 rupee for digital authentication by the UIDAI.
Currently, the mobile user has to visit a Point of Sale along with a Proof of Address and Identity Certificate to obtain a new connection. The new process intends to do away with the hassle. Also, sharing of the Aadhaar card data can be done only after obtaining the customer’s consent.
This step is a part of the telecom sector relief measures introduced by the Government of India on 15th September.
