10 Minutes SIM Home Delivery 'Stopped'! Blinkit-Airtel suffers a big blow, 'game' in KYC proved costl

10 Minutes SIM Home Delivery: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has given strict instructions to telecom operators to ensure strict compliance of the 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) rules prescribed for issuing SIM cards.

10 Minutes SIM Home Delivery: The facility of getting a new SIM card in a few minutes sitting at home seems to be on hold for the time being. According to reports that have surfaced recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has given strict instructions to telecom operators to ensure strict compliance of the 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) rules prescribed for issuing SIM cards. After this instruction, services like instant home delivery of Airtel SIM through quick commerce platforms like Blinkit have been stopped or are being reviewed.

What is the whole matter?

For some time now, telecom companies have started partnering with quick commerce platforms like Blinkit to reach customers faster. Under this, customers could order online and get a new SIM card (like Airtel's) delivered to their home in 10-15 minutes. This was very convenient for the customers.

But now the Department of Telecommunications has raised concerns about the compliance of KYC rules in this process. DoT has clearly reminded telecom companies that the existing process of verifying the identity of the customer before issuing a SIM card should not be violated under any circumstances.

Why are KYC rules important?

KYC rules have been made to verify the identity and address of the customer. Its importance increases even more in the telecom sector.

Security:

It ensures that the SIM card is not issued to a wrong person or fake identity, which can be used in criminal or anti-national activities.

Accountability:

If there is any wrong activity from any number, its real user can be reached.

Prevention of fraud:

It helps in preventing financial fraud by taking SIM on the basis of fake documents.

The current process often involves the presence of the customer at the point of sale (such as a shop), verification of fingerprints or live photo and verification of original documents.

What was the concern in doorstep delivery?

It is believed that DoT was concerned that all the standards of KYC may not be fully followed in the SIM delivery process done in minutes by the delivery agent of the quick commerce platform. Any negligence in face-to-face verification or thorough checking of documents can become a big threat to security. The department wants to ensure that there is no laxity in confirming the identity of the customer, no matter through which medium the SIM is being delivered.

What next?

After this stand of DoT, telecom companies will have to review the process of SIM delivery in collaboration with their quick commerce partners. They will have to ensure that their delivery agents strictly follow every aspect of KYC rules. Until DoT is fully satisfied with this process, the ban on home delivery of SIM within minutes through Blinkit and other platforms may continue. This step is an attempt to strike a balance between customer convenience and the security of the country.