UID verification to be mandatory soon for all existing mobile users

All existing subscribers of mobile services will have to go for Aadhaar-based re-verification soon, with the government instructing telecom operators to initiate the process.

Cellular operators’ body COAI said its members may meet this week to discuss the modalities of rolling out the verification process for the existing one billionplus mobile phone users.

“... all licencees shall re-verify all existing mobile subscribers (pre-paid and postpaid) through Aadhaar-based eKYC process...,” a notification issued by the telecom department said.

It added that all licencees will have to inform existing subscribers through advertisements in print and electronic media as well as SMS about the order of the Supreme Court for re-verification. They have also been asked to upload details on their website.

The Supreme Court, in an order in February this year, had observed that, “an effective process has been evolved to ensure the identity verification, as well as, the addresses of all mobile phone subscribers for the new subscribers. In the near future, and more particularly within one year from today, a similar verification will be completed, in case of existing subscribers”.

The telecom department has said the operators will use and share common device eco-system through mutual agreements, and will work out mechanisms to avoid public inconvenience and long queues.

When contacted, COAI said the industry supported the move, but the entire exercise will cost ₹1,000 crore for infrastructure and training, which will have to be borne by operators.