A major private telecom service provider recently partnered with a delivery app to launch a new service called SIM card home delivery. Under this service, customers could get a new SIM card delivered to their homes within minutes. Notably, customers could activate the SIM by performing a self-kyc (digital identity verification) themselves.
But now the Telecom Department has suspended this process. Customers were ordering SIMs through the app and they were reaching their homes within some time. After that, the SIM was activated by verifying identity through the mobile app. This entire process was done online and without going to the store. But objecting to this in terms of security, the Telecom Department has directed to stop this service.
The 10-minute SIM card home delivery service launched by Bharti Airtel and Blinkit has been temporarily suspended after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) raised concerns about the KYC process.
What is self-KYC?
Self-KYC is a digital process through which customers can verify their identity and address online through Aadhaar card or DigiLocker. This process eliminates the need for customers to visit a store to get a SIM card.
Why did DoT stop the service?
The DoT has clarified that customer identity verification must be completed before SIM cards are distributed. In the Airtel-Blinkit model, SIM cards were distributed first and then customers were allowed to complete the KYC process within 15 days. The DoT has objected to this process.
So what next?
Airtel is currently making necessary changes to its SIM distribution process to make it compliant with DoT regulations. The company is working to resume the service. Although the service is currently suspended, it has not been completely shut down. After completing the necessary process to resume the service, Airtel and Blinkit can resume the service.