The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an order that effectively brings the operations of the Doosra app to a halt. Doosra is known for providing users with secondary mobile numbers, which they can use for transactions at shops or online platforms where sharing a number is mandatory. This innovative service helps users avoid potential spam messages or calls associated with providing their primary numbers. Notably, Doosra follows a standard telecom practice by requiring users to furnish identification when purchasing a secondary number.
Aditya Vuchi, the founder of the ‘virtual mobile number’ app, has emphasized its utility for customers who need to share a phone number for transactions or for individuals, especially women, who prefer not to disclose their contact information to strangers. The app essentially operates as a virtual SMS inbox, filtering out spam messages and allowing only selected incoming calls.
The unique service of providing virtual mobile numbers is commonly employed by major companies such as Amazon and Uber, particularly when delivery agents or drivers need to contact customers. Doosra’s platform enhances user privacy by offering a virtual SMS inbox that acts as a buffer against unwanted communication.
The reasons behind the DoT’s decision to order a halt to Doosra’s operations remain unclear. In response, a spokesperson for Vodafone Idea Ltd, the telecom provider that facilitates Doosra’s mobile numbers and network infrastructure, confirmed the validity of the suspension of Doosra’s services by the telecom department “until further orders.” The situation raises questions about the regulatory considerations surrounding such virtual mobile number services and their impact on user privacy and communication practices.
