TRAI releases recommendations on KYC of DTH set top boxes

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on ‘KYC of DTH Set Top Boxes’. The salient features of the recommendations are:

(a) DTH operator should install the DTH connection at the address mentioned in the Customer Application Form (CAF) only and the address of such installed set top box must be verified by the representative of the DTH operator and record of such installation shall be maintained by the DTH operator.

(b) DTH operator should ensure identity of the subscriber by sending the one-time password (OTP) to his registered mobile number.

(c) In cases where registered mobile number is not provided by the subscriber/ corporate body, DTH operator should collect Proof of Identity or any other similar document which can establish the identity of the user either in physical or electronic form before provisioning of DTH connection.

(d) There is no need to mandate physical verification at regular intervals as it will incur huge cost burden to the DTH operators and inconvenience to the consumers. However, for existing set top boxes, which are not attached to any mobile number of the subscribers, efforts should be made by the DTH operator to associate such set top boxes issued by them to link with a mobile number within a period of two years. Further, in case where it is not possible to link with a mobile number, document for proof of identity of the subscriber should be collected by the DTH operator.

(e) There is no need to mandate DTH operators to incorporate Location Based Services (LBS) in DTH set top boxes.

A reference was received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) vide its letter dated December 28, 2018, seeking recommendations of TRAI on desirability or otherwise of Know Your Customer (KYC) for Set Top Boxes in DTH services and if desirable, then the process for the same. 

In order to deliberate on various aspects and to seek inputs from the industry stakeholders, TRAI issued a consultation paper on ‘KYC of DTH Set Top Boxes’ on July 19, 2019. Written comments and counter comments on the consultation paper were invited from the stakeholders by August 19, 2019 and September 2, 2019. All the comments received were posted on TRAI’s website. Subsequently, an open house discussion was held on September 26, 2019, in Delhi to seek further views of the stakeholders on various issues. 

Based on the comments of the stakeholders received during the abovementioned consultation process and its own analysis, the Authority has finalised its recommendations on ‘KYC of DTH Set Top Boxes’.

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