If you're following the saga of re-verifying your mobile number closely, you should be now wondering why the three newly approved methods aren't yet implemented. Well, you're not the only wondering as telecom operators have delayed the implementation of the new methods- OTP generated through SMS, IVRS, and telecom operators mobile apps.
With the newly introduced methods, every customer thought of re-verifying the mobile number online itself. However, mobile phone users will now have to wait until January 1, 2018, for the re-verification of mobile numbers online through Aadhaar. Until then, customers have to visit the operator's retail outlets to get the verification done.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Friday said that the foreign nationals who do not have an Aadhaar should be able to re-verify their mobile number by submitting their passport at the nearest retail outlet.
The DoT has urged telecom operators to implement an online method on their websites for removing the hassle for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and senior citizens above 70 years or physically challenged people. DoT has asked the telecom operators to set up an online customer acquisition form (CAF) to get the re-verification done.
“The licensee must ensure that the above-mentioned category of subscribers shall be able to re-verify their mobile connections through these alternative methods by January 1, 2018,” the DoT said in a notice on Friday.
Customers with a mobile number registered with Aadhaar can make a call to 14546 as an IVRS helpline to get an OTP, which needs to be entered to re-verify the mobile number.
“The licensee shall use 14546 as the non-metered shortcode for IVRS based OTP authentication process the re-verification of mobile subscribers,” the DoT added.
Finally, DoT has given clarity to telecom operators on how the re-verification of NRIs should be done from January 2018. That said, telecom operators have now left with four weeks to set up the entire process. "We're looking into and evaluating the processes that have been defined by the DoT," said Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on hearing the guidelines set by DoT.
For the unaware, the Department of Telecommunications was mandated by the Supreme Court to re-verify all the mobile numbers with Aadhaar before February 6, 2018. Exactly, a year time was given to the telecom operators. After the implementation of new methods, the verification process should go smoothly. However, operators will be left with just one month to re-verify the mobile numbers.
“In case required, we can seek an extension from the apex court. But if the new methods are adopted, it will fasten the process of verification manifold,” a DoT official stated as per an Economic Times report.
Telcom operators received approval from Aadhaar body to implement the new methods of re-verifying by December 1, 2018. But telecom operators said it would take at least four to six months to setup the new methods. Having said that, operators have now received the time they've asked for, thanks to DoT.
