Trai asks cell cos to speed up verification

Millions of mobile subscribers whose connections were deactivated during the verification drive despite submitting the requisite documents have reasons to cheer. Trai on Thursday directed all operators to accelerate the process of verification of documents submitted by the deactivated subscribers, and in case the documents are found in order, restore the connection within 24 hours.

It is estimated that mobile connections of about 10 million subscribers were deactivated during the recently concluded verification drive. Last year, following concerns expressed by security agencies that terrorists and anti-social elements were misusing mobile phones, the department of telecommunication had directed all service providers to carry out 100% verification of identity proofs of all existing subscribers by March 31, 2007.

Justifying the directive to all operators, Trai said, “It has come to the notice of Trai that as a result of the drive initiated by the service providers to carryout the verification process, a substantial number of connections have been deactivated. Trai has also received a number of complaints from subscribers regarding deactivation of their connection even after submission of all the required documents.”

Trai has also said that it has taken the matter (of disconnections) ‘seriously’ and has advised service providers to exercise maximum caution and restraint so that the subscribers in compliance of verification requirement are not put to any inconvenience.

Additionally, it has also directed them to ensure that all the re-activated subscribers get all their privileges and facilities like validity period and balance amount due to them as per their earlier agreements and tariff plans. In fact, Trai was forced to act after various consumer groups, including Telecom Watchdog, had sought its intervention. However, when contacted, most operators said that they had already put the verification of documents on the fast track.

“If the documents are found to be in order, we are activating such connections with immediate effect,” said an executive with an operator. “We have already activated the connections of those who have submitted valid verification documents,” added an executive from another service provider.