Synopsis: Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, the DoT has directed Reliance Jio and Airtel to pause their SIM home delivery services over national security concerns. The government now mandates strict Aadhaar-based KYC verification before SIM issuance.
As tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has stepped in to suspend express home delivery of SIM cards by major telecom providers, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, citing national security threats.
Both telecom giants had rolled out or planned rapid home SIM delivery services—Airtel, in partnership with Blinkit, offered 10-minute SIM delivery for a ?49 convenience fee, while Reliance Jio had informed the DoT on April 16 about launching a similar service. However, the DoT issued a directive on April 30, ordering all telecom operators to halt such services until proper Aadhaar-based KYC verification is ensured.
The primary concern revolves around customers receiving SIM cards and completing self-KYC later, leaving room for misuse and compromising national security. The DoT advisory mandates full KYC authentication before handing over any SIM card, especially during a time of geopolitical sensitivity.
Both Airtel and Reliance Jio have paused their home delivery initiatives and are currently reviewing internal processes to ensure compliance with the government’s latest directive. The move reinforces the importance of identity verification in the age of rising cyber and cross-border threats.
While the halt impacts convenience for users, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) remains unaffected. Consumers can still switch networks—such as porting to Airtel—for both prepaid and postpaid services via traditional in-store channels.
This development underscores the balancing act between digital convenience and national security, where safeguarding the country takes precedence over ultra-fast service rollouts.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, investment, or telecom service advice. The regulatory landscape is evolving and readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest updates.
