NEW DELHI: The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has called for a regulatory mandate requiring all OTT communication apps to be persistently bound to verified mobile SIM cards. The industry body believes this step is essential to curb cyber fraud, enhance traceability, and strengthen national security amid rising digital scams and evolving sovereign security challenges.
COAI highlighted that while mobile operators have already implemented multiple security measures — such as CNAP (Caller Name Presentation), spam protection for voice and SMS, TCCCPR-related compliance checks, and DLT-based transparency rules — fraudsters are increasingly shifting to OTT messaging platforms. These apps, often operating independently of SIM verification after initial installation, remain outside telecom-level controls, creating a loophole exploited for spam, fraud, and potentially serious criminal activity.
The association pointed out that once a SIM card is removed or replaced, OTT communication apps continue to function without any verifiable link to call records, location data, or carrier logs. This gap, COAI argues, undermines both fraud prevention and national security efforts.
To address this, COAI has suggested that OTT communication platforms implement persistent SIM-binding, ensuring that services only function when the authenticated SIM is physically present in the device. According to the association, this measure would provide continuous traceability between the user, number, and device — deterring misuse, reducing fraudulent activity, and creating a level regulatory playing field between telecom operators and app-based communication platforms.
“This will not only significantly reduce spam and fraud communications, but also mitigate financial frauds and strengthen lawful interception capabilities,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI.
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