India, Dec. 10 -- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has welcomed the Government of India's recent order mandating SIM-binding for app-based communication services, describing it as an essential step for strengthening national security and user protection. Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, addressed what he described as "misconceptions" circulating about the measure and clarified its implications for users and service providers.

According to Lt Gen Dr Kochhar, concerns that SIM-binding will inconvenience users, particularly overseas travellers, are not supported by evidence. He noted that SIM-binding already underpins widely used systems such as UPI and digital payment apps, where the SIM only needs to be pr...