The government is likely to scrap taxes on new SIM cards and SIM replacements entirely in the upcoming budget, a move aimed at making mobile services more affordable for low-income people who do not currently own a handset, according to finance ministry officials.

Telecom operators will sign deals with the Election Commission today to get access to the national identification database to introduce biometric registration system for new SIM cards.

The sale of SIM cards using biometric system will begin tomorrow on a trial basis.