If you want to buy a new Airtel, Jio, BSNL or Vodafone-Idea SIM card or are planning to change your operator, then there is good news for you now. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made a big change in the rules for buying SIM cards and changing operators, making this process completely paperless now.
What is the new rule?
e-KYC and Self KYC facility: The Department of Telecommunications has started the facility of e-KYC (Know Your Customer) and Self KYC for users. Now you can buy your SIM card without any paperwork. Changing operator is easy: Now you will not need to go to the telecom operator’s office to change the number from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid. You can do this work from home with OTP based verification. Without photocopy or document: Now you will not need to give photocopy of any document to buy a new SIM card. This will also reduce the risk of misuse of your personal documents.
How will this new rule work?
Aadhaar based e-KYC and Self KYC
Use of Aadhaar card: Now you can use only your Aadhaar card to buy a new SIM card. Telecom companies will do Aadhaar based paperless verification. Cost: This process will cost you only Rs 1 (including GST). Self KYC facility: You can verify your KYC yourself using DigiLocker. This will make the process of buying a SIM even simpler.
Fraud will be stopped
This new rule of the Department of Telecommunications will help prevent fraud with the personal documents of users. Now fake SIM cards will not be issued in anyone’s name, because the entire process will be digital and secure.
One more step towards Digital India
This change is an important step towards implementing a completely paperless system under the Digital India initiative. This will not only save time and paper, but will also make the processes faster and simpler.
What should users do?
While buying a new SIM: Use Aadhaar card and complete the e-KYC or self KYC process as per the instructions of the telecom company. While switching number: If you want to switch from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid, use OTP based verification.
