Mobile firms sans Tata Tele for 10% subscriber check by Dec 31

The entire mobile-phone-operator industry, barring Tata Teleservices, has asked the communications ministry to accept a joint proposal on the subscriber verification process. At the moment, Tata Tele is sticking to its stand of a full verification drive, as had been envisaged.

Operators have said they will undertake to complete 10-per cent verification of their subscriber base, on a stratified basis up to district level, by December 31, this year.

The proposal "" submitted by BSNL, MTNL, Bharti Airtel, Hutch, Idea Cellular, Spice, Aircel, Reliance Communications and HFCL "" states that the industry will ensure 100-per cent documentation of the existing subscriber base by 31 March, 2007.

It also says no connection will be henceforth used for making or receiving any calls until 100-per cent documentation has been submitted by the subscriber.

However, the industry has said that while it can ensure documentation, it cannot vouch for its authenticity.

Each operator will have software to prevent duplication in place by August end and will carry out a thorough check of its subscriber base to detect multiple connections.

Operators have proposed an alternate verification method whereby verification can be carried out by ascertaining the residence, identity and photograph of the subscriber.

Industry sources say however, that the proposal may not find favour with the government in light of the Mumbai blasts and the urgency of the notice from the DoT.

In fact, suggestions finalised by the DoT on liberal verification norms for rural areas, that were sent to the home ministry about a month ago, have received no reply as yet, sources have said.