Mobile users in India will soon be able to switch from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa just by an OTP. Department of Telecom (DoT) is considering to make this switching possible using an OTP-based authentication.
As of now, consumers need to visit the nearest service store and submit a request for switching from Postpaid to prepaid and vice versa. Customers have to submit a KYC document and they also get a new SIM card to activate. The OTP-based authentication will make it simpler and there won’t be any need to get a new SIM.
Cellular Operators’ Association of India has proposed this idea to the Department of Telecom (DoT). DoT will now work with telecom operators on the proof of concept. If telecom operators manage to get the PoC done, it can be a reality.
“The PoC for conversion from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa may be carried out by the telecom service providers as per the procedure,” DoT ADG Suresh Kumar explains. “The decision regarding implementation of the procedure shall be taken after the assessment of the outcome of the PoC.”
Cellular Operators’ Association of India claims that OTP-based authentication will save time for the users who are planning to switch. As the number remains the same, there should be a need to get a new SIM and submit a KYC document. At the time when OTP-based authentication has become a norm in most sections, it should be considered in telecom as well. It will also promote contactless services.
If this idea becomes a reality, switching from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa will be done in just 10 minutes.
