Aadhar card may serve as basis for new SIM cards

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has said that it is working on making the Aadhaar (UID) number an authentication tool for getting a new SIM card / or mobile connection.

''We have sent recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications that Aadhaar can be one of the factors (in addition to other documents). It can be a valid document for electronic KYC (know your customer) for granting the mobile connection,'' R S. Sharma, chairman of Trai, told The Hindu on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

He said the draft recommendations were sent to DoT 15 days back, saying digital authentication would help eliminate paper work.

''Even from the security perspective, this would help in identifying the customers and avoid duplications,'' Sharma said, adding that the regulator has also taken views of the Solicitor General and Attorney General after preparation of the paper.

While this e-KYC would help in getting genuine customer identification and avoid duplications, it would also make it quicker for a telecom service provider to activate the SIM/connection quicker.

''We have made very clear recommendations that 'electronic KYC of Aadhaar may be used for customer acquisition','' Sharma said, adding that the main concern is that even from a security perspective it will be safer, as currently many people use the documents of a single person, and could get many SIMs without that person's knowledge.

The telecom operators also are in favour of making such means mandatory as it will be more convenient to them.