SIM CARDS
Trai plans more action to check spam callers
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is exploring differential punitive tariffs for spam callers using personal numbers. Analysis found nearly 14 lakh SIM cards making between 50 to 1000 calls daily in early 2024. Trai has also proposed new message categories to curb the misuse of service and transactional messages.
Airtel issues fraudster duplicate SIM without proper verification, Soldier loses lakhs from SBI a/c: How to protect yourself
SIM card fraud: Bharti Airtel has issued a duplicate mobile SIM card to a fraudster and as a result of this a Indian Army soldier posted in Jammu & Kashmir lost Rs 2.87 lakh from this State Bank of India (SBI) a/c. The soldier fought with Airtel for 7 years and finally won the case with Rs 4.83 lakh compensation to be payable by Airtel; NCDRC.
BSNL to roll out 4G, 5G-ready over-the-air, universal SIM platform
BSNL has launched a new OTA and USIM platform, enabling 4G and 5G compatibility and allowing mobile subscribers to choose their numbers and replace SIMs without geographical restrictions. Developed with Pyro Holdings, this platform is part of BSNL's efforts to upgrade its network and enhance connectivity across rural and remote areas.
There's a China connection to why eSIMs haven't taken off in India
While Apple offers eSIM capability in its entire iPhone range, others such as Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have started enabling eSIMs in their premium flagships. But the incentive to offer it in the affordable segment is still lacking, as China, their primary market, has barred its use citing security concerns. Brands therefore cannot benefit from economies of scale as adding eSIM compatibility exclusively for all Indian phones will inflate the bill of materials (BoM) cost of devices.
Multiple SIM under your name? You may face a Rs 2 lakh penalty, jail time; how to check SIM cards registered under your name
Multiple sim cards: "The maximum SIM cards limit has been set for nine cards per person, except in the case of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and Northeast Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) where it is limited to six," says Nittin Arora, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat.
New Mobile Number Portability rules to come into effect from Monday. Here's what it means for you
New MP rules from July 1: TRAI enhances telecom security with new Mobile Number Portability rules starting July 1, 2024. The amendments introduce a seven-day waiting period for Unique Porting Codes (UPCs) to combat SIM swap fraud, ensuring only genuine requests are processed and safeguarding mobile numbers from misuse and theft.
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Trai amendments to MNP to curb SIM swap, replacement frauds to take effect from July 1
The regulator had notified the amendment in March 2024, after consulting stakeholders. The amendment adds an additional criterion for rejecting generation of the Unique Porting Code (UPC) required to port a SIM card to a different telecom service provider. "These amendment regulations are aimed at curbing the porting of mobile numbers by way of fraudulent SIM swap/ replacement by unscrupulous elements," the regulator said Friday.
Trai won’t charge users for multiple SIMs
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has denied reports of planning to charge consumers for multiple SIMs. Trai clarified that there are no proposals for fees on numbering resources, emphasising efficient allocation. Trai's discussion paper aims to enhance telecom services through effective use of telecommunications identifiers.
Trai move to charge for numbers will increase cost for users, telcos say
Industry executives believe that charging telecom companies for numbering resources allocated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will lead to increased costs for users. They argue that SIM cards are a necessity and any additional fees will be passed on to subscribers.
Top technology, aviation companies may dial DoT for service call numbers
As more businesses in sectors such as ride-hailing, food-tech, quick grocery commerce, as well as social media adopt voice calls as an option to authenticate users, it makes sense for them to differentiate themselves from fraud numbers. The department of telecommunications (DoT) on Tuesday allocated 160 numbering series for transactional and service calls made by businesses for commercial purposes. This was done mainly to protect mobile phone users from the surging nuisance of pesky calls and messages, which also lead to financial fr
Band ho Jaa SIM SIM: Govt targets cyber thieves
On May 9, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked telcos to disconnect 28,220 mobile handsets and re-verify over two million mobile connections misused with these handsets.
Pakistan telecom operators block 3,500 SIMs of non-filers after-tax body order
The FBR also sent messages to about 5,000 individuals, warning them that their mobile phone SIMs would be blocked if they did not file their returns. It has further sought details of the blocked SIMs from the telecom operators.
Telecom department blocks mobile handsets, disconnects numbers involved in frauds
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has launched the Chakshu portal to combat telecom fraud. Since its launch, the DoT has blacklisted 52 entities involved in sending malicious SMSes, blocked 348 mobile handsets, and flagged 10,834 suspected mobile numbers for re-verification. The DoT has also deactivated 700 SMS content templates and disconnected 8.272 mobile connections failing re-verification.
Cyber police warn Delhiites as city sees spike in cases of 'digital house arrest'
Delhi Police investigates 'digital house arrest' cases and cyber thugs draining bank accounts. Cybercrime cases doubled in 2022. Victims should immediately report incidents to police helpline numbers for help.
Airtel switches to PVC SIM Cards
With this migration, the companies hope to limit the generation of over 165 tonnes of virgin plastic, which may consequently reduce the generation of over 690 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in a year.
Telcos not liable to deduct TDS on discounts to distributors on SIM cards, recharge vouchers: SC
The issue before the apex court related to the liability of the telecom service providers to deduct TDS under Section 194-H of the Income Tax Act on the amount which, as per the revenue authorities, was a commission payable to an agent by the assessee (telco) under the franchise/distributorship agreement between them.
Relief for telcos: SC sets aside HC order on taxing sim card sale discounts
The Supreme Court granted relief to telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, by setting aside high court orders and ruling that Section 194H of the Income Tax Act does not apply to them in this case. The judgment pertained to the applicability of TDS on discounts given to pre-paid distributors for the sale of SIM/Recharge Vouchers. The court dismissed the Income Tax department's appeals.
Travelling abroad? Why you should opt for an international SIM card
International SIM cards are crucial for staying connected while traveling for personal and business needs. They offer a versatile solution to avoid expensive roaming charges and ensure global connectivity. Prepaid and postpaid options are available, and compatibility with GSM or CDMA networks is important.
Telecom department blocks 1,500 rogue local, overseas callers linked to cybercrimes and threats
Prominent names among the blocked callers include designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been threatening to target the BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), as well as Air India.
Google removes two global eSIM apps from Play Store
The apps named Airalo and Holafly have been removed from the Google Play Store for the Indian market. Both apps offer eSIM enabling telecom services in various regions globally. The company took the action after receiving orders from DoT on Thursday, which has also asked Apple, internet service providers, and telecom firms to block the websites of the two apps in India.
Digital revolution in telecom: India to eliminate physical verification process for SIM cards
Industry executives said the decision to scrap the paper-based KYC and go digital for mobile user enrollments would cut telcos’ customer acquisition costs and also help the government check SIM fraud.
New SIM card rules from December 1. Here's all about it
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will implement new SIM card rules from December 1, 2023. The govt announced the rules in August this year but postponed its implementation to December 1.
Airtel guides users on embracing e-SIM technology
In the email communication, Vittal went on to explain that consumers can use multiple mobile numbers on a single e-SIM, should one choose to do so and that it is easy to change devices with an e-SIM. “Additionally, in instances of theft, if your device gets stolen, it will be that much harder for criminals to get rid of your e-SIM, since they are unlike the traditional SIMs that could be physically removed from phones. This will also make a lost smartphone easier to track,” Vittal’s email said.
Telecom Department tightens norms to curb SIM frauds
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has tightened rules around verification requirements for customers seeking mobile phone numbers and for point of sale (PoS) entities appointed by telecom operators. This is to curb fraud and phishing activities. Telecom operators will have to verify and register each PoS entity before they can start enrolling customers. The PoS entity will also need to be authenticated using biometrics, such as Aadhaar based e-KYC. Violation of the rules will result in termination of contracts and fines for the telecom operators. These rules will take effect from October 10.
TTML faces claims worth Rs 615 cr in pending litigations
Tata Teleservices Maharashtra Limited (TTML) faces claims worth Rs 615.41 crore which are under litigation in various courts across the country, the company told the Bombay Stock Exchange in a filing Tuesday.
Verification mandatory for SIM card dealers
The Indian government has made it mandatory for SIM card dealers to be verified and has discontinued bulk connections to combat online financial fraud. Telecom operators will register their franchisee, point of sale agents and distributors. To prevent the misuse of printed Aadhaar, demographic details will be captured by scanning a QR code.
Cyber frauds: Verification now mandatory for SIM card dealers, no bulk connections
The telecom operators will do mandatory registration of franchisee, point of sale (PoS) agents and distributors. This will help in eliminating the rogue PoS who by fraudulent practices issue SIMs to anti-social/anti-national elements. The PoS registration process includes indisputable verification by telcos.
17,000 extra SIM cards of subscribers beyond 9 connections deactivated in Bihar, Jharkhand
The artificial intelligence and facial recognition-powered solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) analysis by the DoT in April and May revealed that at least 21,800 mobile connections were issued violating the permissible limit of nine numbers for one subscriber in Bihar and Jharkhand.
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