NTA will now allow you to buy your SIM card without carrying official documents like citizenship with the implementation of a KYC policy. The new system integrates with the National Identity Card and this will facilitate a much easier process to obtain a SIM card for Nepali citizens.
NTA has now stepped up to bring this system soon. As per Deputy Spokesman Achyutananda Mishra, “NTA has prepared the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the project. With more discussions soon, the regulator will call for an international bid.”
After selecting the consultant for the KYC service, NTA will soon have it design and implement the system.
NTA expects to complete the project within the current Fiscal Year 078/79.
So far Nepalese have to produce citizenship as a prerequisite to authenticate their ID and own a SIM card. Not everyone may have citizenship and other documents available at the time of need and this has been one hurdle for many. But with the new system, NTA will quash the need for carrying official state documents.
It is necessary to shelve the obligatory policy that mandates citizens to produce citizenship or other documents to buy a SIM card in Nepal. “We are setting up a digital system to put an end to the inconvenient policy. NTA will proceed with the system following the selection of its consultants,” NTA Chief Purushottam Khanal had earlier said.
Also read: NTC’s 5G Trial Likely In the Current Fiscal Year 078/79
40 Crores To Set Up The Digital KYC Project
NTA Chief also said that it has sanctioned a budget of 40 crores for FY 078/79 to head the project. Khanal also added that the procurement for the system will complete in 2 months.
National ID and Civil Registration Department has also asked NTA to integrate digital KYC in its SIM buying process. When this system comes into effect, it will store all the detail of a user in one exclusive system.
The digital system will allow the authority to keep and check on the history of a user’s SIM transactions. NTA can see how many SIMs a particular customer has bought and used which is vital information to keep.
Keeping more than two SIM cards is an unauthorized behavior and the digital KYC might become fruitful in minimizing it.
NTC’s new practice will bring a much-needed convenience to buy a SIM card for the better. So far, Nepalese have had to produce government documents to buy a SIM card. With the digital KYC, Nepali citizens will be able to buy a SIM card without carrying/showing citizenship.
Soon, you will be able to purchase a SIM card without any federal document. It’s a big relief and convenience to many because not everyone may have the documents while on the go. Being able to buy a SIM card with the courtesy of technology is really telling for us. Give your opinion on this digital shift by NTA in the comments below.
