Six telcos join hands to launch digital authentication solution Mobile Connect

The authentication system will allow users to log in to applications on their mobile phones by using their phone number

Smartphone users will now be able to log in to applications and other services on their mobile phones by just using their phone number as the country's six telecom operators have joined hands to launch the digital authentication system Mobile Connect.

The authentication system will allow about 800 million customers of Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Idea, Tata Teleservices Ltd, Telenor and Vodafone to log-in to websites and applications without the need to remember passwords and usernames.

As Mobile Connect has been rolled out in India, the platform can be used by a range of digital service providers including GaneshaSpeaks, GoIbibo, Trupay, Twigly, Zee Digital Group and Zomato.

Globally 42 operators in 22 countries are implementing Mobile Connect, making it available to nearly 3 billion customers.

The Mobile Connect initiative is led by GSMA, a global organisation of telecom companies that provide mobile phone services using GSM technology.

The solution enables customers to create and manage a digital universal identity via a single login. The service securely authenticates users, enabling them to digitally confirm their identity and their credentials and grant safe online access to mobile and digital services.

Mobile Connect works by employing the user's unique mobile number, combined with a unique PIN for more secure use cases, to verify and grant online access.