Mobile phone Sim cards, id required?

Frooty

Someone I know has just told me that in order to buy Sim cards in India there is a new requirement to be resident and have a local address and proof of identity.

Thats the first I have heard about it and thought I had better check here.

Anybody know what the current deal with buying a sim card in India is?

crvlvr

i was told the same in bangalore last year. this year, picked a pre-paid sim at the Goa airport with no ID.

Frooty

Hutch indias website says:

Documents required
When you buy your Hutch Prepaid card, you need to fill up an application form. Please ensure that you fill it correctly and completely. You also need to submit any of the following documents as proof of your identity and address:

PAN card

Passport

Driving licence

Voter's ID card

Ration Card along with a photograph

Copy of your electricity or telephone bill showing residential address along with a photograph
Any document or communication issued by any authority of Central Government or local bodies showing residential address.
This is as per DoT directives and is compulsory for all Hutch Prepaid subscribers.

So is this poorly enforced everywhere?

Kanbe

hi

I bought a Hutch prepaid SIM card in Bangalore three months back. I filled in the application and the person photocopied my passport.

SHIMLA

Get your pre-paid SIM(Hutch or any other) from a retailer; and you'll get by having to give only the copy of your passport as proof of identity.

However, do check with your retailer that your application form has been sent to the office of the principal, else you'll have trouble on roaming network.

__________________
Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

Indiafan

Coy of passport is enough in Goa. You may buy it without a copy but have to submit one withing 3 days otherwise they close the card. However, it can be opened again after submitting a copy of your passport. Remember roaming charges in different areas.