The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday issued guidelines regarding Embedded SIMs (eSIMs) that are used in devices such as Apple Watch, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication services in India. Mobile users will not have to buy a new SIM while changing service provider or while buying a new connection, DoT stated in the new guidelines allowing the use of eSIMs in India.
As per the new norms, the eSIM will be installed in the device and details of the service provider can be updated when a customer buys a new connection, changes a service provider or wants to buy a standalone service like messaging or calling from a telecom service provider.
The department has permitted the use of eSIMs with both single and multiple profile configurations with over-the-air subscription facility keeping in view the global standards. It has allowed profiles to be updated over the air to facilitate number portability on eSIM and avoid locking of a device by a telecom operator.
DoT has also directed the telecom service providers facilitating the service on eSIMs to monitor the requirement of eSIM and ensure that the device manufacturer does not tamper with the eSIM. DoT in its guidelines has directed the service providers to activate services on a device only after a proper KYC of the customer.
Apart from eSIMs, DoT has also issued instructions for SIMs used for M2M service. For reference, M2M communication happens between two devices without any human interference. This type of communication includes the alerts sent by a car to a mobile phone informing about car theft, low fuel or malfunctioning in a part, among other things.
As per the DoT norms, telecom service providers that are authorised to issue SIMs for M2M communication need to follow KYC norms prior to issuing such SIMs. Apart from this, the department has increased the limit of M2M SIMs issued per person to 18 wherein 9 SIMs can be used for mobile phone communication and the other 9 SIMs can be used for M2M communication.
DoT said that while incoming and outgoing calls will be allowed on maximum one number, data communication will be allowed on maximum two number. However, these restrictions will not be applicable to emergency services such as fire, police and ambulance.
Earlier, DoT had issued a notification that all SIMs used for M2M communication will come with a 13-digit number. Reports suggests that the government plans on implementing this scheme from July 1.
Meanwhile, telecom operators such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Reliance Jio and Idea Cellular have welcomed the move by DoT saying that the new guideline will provide clarity on rollout of M2M services in India.
SOURCE : Click Here
Comments
Post a Comment