June 25:
State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched a dedicated online portal to facilitate doorstep delivery of SIM cards with a self-KYC verification process, marking a significant step towards digital transformation and customer convenience.
The new service enables users to order BSNL SIM cards online — both prepaid and postpaid — and complete the mandatory KYC process digitally, without needing to visit a physical store. The portal can be accessed at portal.bsnl.in/doorstep.
According to BSNL, the initiative is part of its broader strategy to enhance accessibility and simplify the onboarding process for new customers. The service is being rolled out in phases and is currently available in select telecom circles, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Customers using the portal can select the type of connection, enter delivery details, upload identification documents, and perform video-based self-verification. Once the request is submitted, a trained delivery executive visits the customer’s address with the SIM card and assists in completing the final activation.
“Through this platform, BSNL aims to provide seamless and contactless service to our users, especially in remote areas where reaching a BSNL outlet can be difficult,” a senior BSNL official said. “The self-KYC system will not only save time but also ensure safety and compliance.”
The self-KYC process allows users to upload scanned copies of documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID and record a live video for authentication, similar to procedures used by leading private telecom operators. This digital model aligns BSNL with modern service standards and is expected to improve customer acquisition, especially in the post-COVID digital age.
Here’s how to apply for a BSNL SIM card from home:
- Visit the official portal at portal.bsnl.in/doorstep
- Choose the type of SIM (prepaid/postpaid)
- Enter personal and delivery details
- Upload ID proof and complete video-based self-KYC
- Receive SIM card at home and activate it with assistance from the delivery agent
The telecom operator has also introduced a SIM tracking feature to allow customers to monitor the delivery status in real-time. The delivery and activation process is expected to be completed within 1 to 3 working days, depending on location.
The move is seen as part of BSNL’s larger effort to regain market share amid stiff competition from private telecom providers. It comes at a time when BSNL is also preparing for its much-awaited nationwide 4G rollout, expected to begin later this year.
Industry analysts view this digital push as a necessary step for BSNL to stay relevant in India’s rapidly evolving telecom sector. By offering a user-friendly and fully digital onboarding experience, the company is likely to attract a larger number of tech-savvy users and those residing in underserved areas.
