Indians May Need References Before Buying a Mobile Phone

While many countries are demanding that anyone buying a SIM card has to provide proof of identity - it is reported that India may go a stage further and require references from two existing cellular customers before a person can buy a new subscription.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to issue to order the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to change the regulations in light of recent terrorist activity in the country.

"We wanted to have a mechanism where a common person can get a SIM card without any hassles and other security concerns are also met," Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told the Economic Times newspaper. He added that his Ministry intended to have a "focused discussion" with the DoT on the issue of SIM cards.

It is expected that the networks will vigorously oppose the idea as it could seriously harm the growth in the market, particularly in the rural areas where finding two existing mobile phone users would become increasingly difficult. 

The government recently ordered the operators to ensure they maintain a 500 meter buffer zone along its borders to stop mobile phones working in the area - again claimed to be to prevent terrorists working in the area.

Nearby Sri Lanka recently required all mobile phone users to not only carry a certificate of ownership with them at all times - but also made it illegal to lend the phone to a friend or relative.

On the web: Economic Times

Posted to the site on 13th August 2008