Highlights

• India moves towards digital SIM verification, effective January 1, 2024.
• Shift applies to all UAS and UL holders, ending traditional paper-based KYC.
• Digital process to streamline SIM acquisition and combat fraud.
• New regulations to enforce stricter controls on bulk SIM card sales.

Tectonic shifts are taking place in the telecom industry as the government is finalising a move towards digitizing SIM card verification processes.

This major regulatory shift, effective from January 1, 2024, and spearheaded by the DoT, marks the end of traditional, paper-based KYC procedures for SIM card issuance and verification.

Transitioning from Physical to Digital Verification

The talks for this have been ongoing since August 2023 and these regulatory changes aim to replace the existing physical verification system with a more efficient digital process.

This applies to all Unified Access Services (UAS) and Unified License (UL) holders in India, who must now replace their paper-based KYC methods that have been used for about 11 years with a new and modern digital setup.

The DoT is all about making it easy to get a SIM card with the new digital system just requiring customers to fill out a Customer Acquisition Form (CAF), attach a photograph, and submit proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) for verification.

While this traditional approach will be discontinued, other aspects of the 2012 notification remain in effect, unless revised.

Motivation for the Shift

This transition is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to amend the KYC framework, aiming to streamline the verification process and curb SIM card fraud.

Just like everything else, digitising your SIM card procedure not only enhances the efficiency of acquiring and verifying SIM cards but also provides a robust mechanism to tackle fraudulent activities, something that was rampant in the previous paper-KYC system.

Regulating Bulk SIM Sales

An important aspect of the new rules introduced by the DoT is the regulation of bulk SIM card sales.

Point-of-sale (PoS) agents are now required to enter into agreements with telecom providers, adhering to stringent legal standards.

Non-compliance could lead to severe penalties, including a permanent ban for agents violating these regulations.

FAQs

What is the significance of India’s move to digital SIM verification?

This change marks a significant overhaul in the telecom industry, transitioning from paper-based KYC processes to a more efficient digital verification system for SIM card issuance.

When will the digital SIM verification process become effective in India?

The digital SIM verification process is set to be implemented from January 1, 2024, following discussions that began in August 2023.

How will the new digital system affect the SIM card verification process?

The new digital system will require customers to complete a simplified process, eliminating the need for physical documents for identity and address proof, thus streamlining verification and reducing fraud.

Why Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone-Idea are happy ?

Industry executives said that the decision to scrap the paper-based KYC and go digital for mobile user enrollments would cut telcos’ customer acquisition costs as well as also help the government check SIM card fraud.

There have been rising cases of SIM card fraud.
All telecom companies have warned their subscribers about SIM card-related scams earlier.