Trai — requirement for biometrics to retail existing mobile connections

Address:

Bangalore, Karnataka, 560086

Hi, i have mobile connections with airtel for me and my family. Off late we have been receiving mails and messages to go to the airtel store to give our biometrics for keeping our sim cards active. From my understanding, biometrics is not a requirement but linking the aadhaar card to the mobile number is required. Please let me know if biometrics is mandatory as being suggested by the telecom operators. I have taken the following paragraph from the

"subject: verification of existing mobile subscribers through aadhaar based e-kycservices - reg." dated 20th jan 2017

"in view of the above discussion, the authority recommends that
Dot may work with the tsps, to evolve a framework to verify the existing
Mobile subscribers through aadhaar based e-kyc services in a phased
Manner and within a defined timeframe. However, this process should be
Optional to the service providers as well as mobile subscribers. The
Subscribers may have to be given some sops in terms of free talktime or
Data to encourage them to undergo the e-kycprocess. The authority also
Recommends that once a licensee completes its verification process
Through e-kyc, it may be permitted to remove the existing caf/papers
Stored in office/warehouse, so that there is no duplication of work."

Regards
Sriram
[protected]