Indian telecom subscribers must now link their Aadhaar numbers with their mobile connections, and Idea Cellular has begun notifying customers to complete the process. As per the recent government directive, all existing customers have to link Aadhaar with their mobile numbers.
Why the deadline matters
The Department of Telecommunications ordered all operators to re-verify every prepaid and postpaid subscriber through Aadhaar-based e-KYC by February 6, 2018. The mandate applies uniformly, regardless of whether a customer initially registered their SIM using alternative documents like a driver’s license or voter id. If you had purchased your Idea SIM card by other documents like id proofs including license, voter id, etc., you will have to verify your phone SIM again using Aadhaar Card number. Failure to link Aadhaar with mobile phone invites deactivation after February 2018.
How to link Aadhaar with an Idea number
Customers can complete the process offline at any Idea store or authorized outlet. Biometric authentication is required, so the Aadhaar card holder must visit in person.
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Here’s what happens: the customer provides their Idea mobile number and Aadhaar number. A store executive generates a four-digit verification code and sends it to the customer’s phone. The customer shares the code with the executive, then submits their fingerprint or iris scan. Within 24 hours, Idea sends a confirmation SMS; replying “Y” finalizes the e-KYC process. The entire procedure is free.
Roaming customers must verify their Aadhaar in their home circle; outstation customers follow the same steps but must also provide local referee details.
What happens if you don’t comply
Numbers that miss the verification deadline will be deactivated. You can do the seeding offline. For seeding Aadhaar to your Idea mobile number, all you need is your Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number and your mobile. You will be required to complete biometric verification. During verification, you will receive the verification code, One Time Password (OTP) on your Mobile that would be required to complete the process.
