Online linking of mobile number with Aadhaar from Jan 1

Mobile subscribers can link their number with their Aadhaar number online without having to go to telecom retailers from January 1, 2018,   government said on Friday.

The Department of Telecom had asked the telecom companies to put in place the system for linking mobile number with Aadhaar from December 1, 2017. However,   the telecom firms have sought more time.

The Telecom department on Friday mandated telecom firms to re-verify mobile numbers belonging to non-resident Indians (NRIs), senior citizens above 70 years and physically challenged people not having Aadhaar or have registered for Aadhaar number, by using systems created by telecom firms on their websites.

Those having mobile numbers registered with Aadhaar   will be able to use 14546 as an interactive voice response system (IVRS) helpline number for getting one-time password (OTP), for getting their numbers re-verified.  

"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.

IVRS based OTP

"The licensee shall use 14546 as a non-metered short code for IVRS based OTP authentication for re-verification of mobile subscribers," the department said.

"Senior citizen mobile subscribers either not having Aadhaar or his/her Aadhaar does not have mobile number registered with UIDAI or his/her fingerprints are worn out or are physically challenged, they have to fill customer acquisition form available  on company websites for re-verification of their mobile number," said the DOT.

Foreign nationals, who do not have Aadhaar,  can also   get their mobile numbers re-verified but will have to visit their carrier's retail outlet.