Telcos are committed to provide customer convenience: Subscribers need not worry about disconnections

In light of the latest news reports which states that 50 crore mobile subscribers in circulation are likely to face disconnections, COAI, the apex industry association representing leading Telecom, Internet, Technology and Digital Services companies, also supports that customers won’t face any such issues.

If any customer wishes to de-link their Aadhaar number from the existing mobile connection, information in the possession of the operator, they may do so by contacting their operator and providing other documents prescribed as per DoT guidelines. At any point of time, their mobile numbers will not be disconnected.

Aadhaar remains a valid document for customer verification like other Government authorised documents including passport, PAN card, Driving License, Voter ID etc. However, while getting a new connection, no authentication of subscriber details by UIDAI will be done now.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. Rajan S Mathews, DG, COAI, commented, “Telecom operators always comply with instructions and regulations passed by DoT and we will adhere to the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s verdict. We shall await further orders and instructions from DoT. We believe that Aadhaar is a robust and convenient method of subscriber authentication. The industry is prepared to work closely with DoT to find viable and legal solutions of using Aadhaar based identification process which also fits with the Government’s Digital India mission. Currently, we are closely working with DoT to build a completely hassle-free alternate digital verification process. Customers’ convenience tops the priority for our member operators and the industry is committed to ensure that subscribers face no disturbances whatsoever.”