Vodafone starts Aadhaar-based verification of subscribers in Kolkata

Vodafone India on Friday launched a pilot project on Aadhaar-based instant verification of subscribers seeking new mobile connections in Kolkata.

The e-KYC (know your customer) solution is an instant, secure and green mobile subscriber verification project, where a customer's Aadhaar card and finger prints are adequate for both validating and activating new pre-paid and post-paid connections, the company said in a statement.

Vodafone has launched the project in association with the the Department of Telecommunications.

"The Department of Telecom has chosen Vodafone India to lead the way for launching an instant, safe and secure e-KYC authentication service in Kolkata.

We are happy to partner the government in this efficient use of technology for the benefit of the customers and are extending all possible help to make this roll-out a success," Vodafone India Director for Regulatory and External Affairs P Balaji said.

The Aadhaar-based verification service is available across 21 Vodafone stores in Kolkata and will gradually be expanded to Vodafone Mini stores also, the statement said.

"We are first off the block to launch the pilot of the e-KYC solution for our customers in Kolkata which will ensure that they can now Walk out Talking from any Vodafone store within minutes," Vodafone India Business Head (Kolkata) Anand Sahai said.