The cellular operators’ association COAI said the government’s decision to allow old ₹500 notes to be used for pre-paid mobile recharges will address difficulties being faced by consumers, and allow them to continue using mobile services without disruption.

“We are delighted that government listened to our request in the interest of consumers, addressing the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens who can continue to top up and use mobile services, which are essential services,” COAI Director General Rajan Mathews said.

According to some industry estimates, the recharges and top-ups for pre-paid mobile services have fallen 30-50 per cent as consumers struggle with less cash in hand in the aftermath of government’s move to scrap old ₹500 and ₹1000 notes.

In fact, COAI had written to Telecom Department last week flagging the “hardships being faced by ordinary citizens in obtaining such services due to difficulties of obtaining replacement currency...”

It had said that telecom service providers should be allowed to accept the ₹500 and ₹1000 demonetised currency notes until such time as replacement currency is available to ordinary citizens in adequate amounts to conduct their daily affairs.

“Given the increasing hardships being faced by ordinary citizens in ordering their normal daily activities, we believe this permission extended to telecom service providers will go a long way in ameliorating citizen’s difficulties relating to obtaining and using communication services,” COAI had said.

This will also serve as an enabler to further drive banking transactions using mobiles supporting the efforts of the Government and the banking eco- systems, it had added.

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