GSMA launches Mobile Connect in India

GSMA, on Tuesday, announced the launch of its mobile-based authentication solution, Mobile Connect, to more than 800 million consumers across India.

“India is already the world’s second-largest mobile market and as the country enters a new phase of mobile industry growth that will unlock far-reaching social and economic benefits, it is critical that consumer security is ensured at all times,” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.

The GSMA’s Mobile Connect solution enables customers to create and manage a digital universal identity via a single login. The service simply and securely authenticates users, enabling them to digitally confirm their identity and their credentials and grant safe online access to mobile and digital services. It works by employing the user’s unique mobile number, combined with a unique PIN for more secure use cases, to verify and grant online access.

The mobile network operators offering Mobile Connect services in India are Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Aircel, Tata Teleservices, and Telenor.

Indian mobile subscribers will initially be able to access Mobile Connect services, including login and self-care apps, from their operator’s website and in the future, anywhere they see the Mobile Connect logo. In addition to the operators’ websites, the GSMA has launched a portal (www.mobileconnect.in) where Indian consumers can find further information on Mobile Connect and tutorials on how they can use it.

“With Mobile Connect, mobile operators are fulfilling an important role in the digital identity space, giving users control over their own data and enabling Indian consumers, businesses and governments alike to interact and access online services in a convenient, private, and trusted environment,” Granryd concluded.

At present, around 42 operators in 22 countries across the world are implementing Mobile Connect, making it available to nearly three billion customers.