Various new SIM card rules were introduced by the Government of India in August 2023. As of December 1, the new laws are in effect in the country. DoT has issued a new directive to get rid of physical verification for SIM cards as part of the new rules. According to the Economic Times, DoT will switch to the new verification process from January 1, 2024.
According to the department, the notification addresses holders of Unified Access Services (UAS) and Unified Licenses (UL) in the country. UAS and UL license holders are being asked by the DoT to stop using paper-based KYC (Know Your Customer). Several parts of the country will no longer conduct physical verifications. From January 1, 2024, SIM cards will no longer be physically verified according to the instructions dated August 9, 2012.
According to the notification, the other terms and conditions of the 2012 notification will continue to apply unless amended. As a result of the various amendments made to the existing KYC framework over the years, physical verification for SIM cards is no longer required.
A notification from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) states that paper-based verification processes, including filling out a customer acquisition form (CAF), attaching a photograph, and annexing proofs of identity (Pol) and address (PoA), will be eliminated. According to the report, the new digital verification system will help the government combat SIM fraud.
DoT’s new rules also prohibit bulk sales of mobile SIM cards. Point-of-sale (PoS) agents are also required to sign an agreement promising not to engage in illegal activities. It could result in a permanent ban for such agents if they violate the agreement.
