TRAI releases Recommendations on KYC of DTH Set Top Boxes

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)has today released its recommendations on KYC of DTH Set-Top Boxes. Earlier, on 19 July the regulator released a consultation paper on this topic seeking inputs from various stakeholders.

TRAI recommended that a representative of DTH operators must verify the address provided in Consumer Application Form (CAF) at time of installation of new connection and customer identification should be done by sending OTP on his registered mobile number.

The regulator further stated that in case if a registered mobile number is not available then DTH operator should proof of identity (POI) or any similar document which can establish the identity of the consumer in physical or electronic way form before provisioning new DTH connection. TRAI made clear that there is no requirement of Location-Based Chips (LBS) in set-top boxes.

TRAI said that there is no need for physical verification at regular intervals as it would cause a financial burden to the operator and inconvenience to the consumer. But if the mobile number of any existing customer is not linked with the set top box then operator have to link it or collect POI within the next 2 years.