TRAI unveils plan to increase M2M eSIM communication in India

With an emphasis on security and adaptability, TRAI unveiled new rules to improve machine-to-machine (M2M) communication in India. The framework facilitates eSIM profile changeover and supports strong KYC rules. The recommendations are intended to foster a homegrown ecosystem and need Indian TSP profiles for devices that roam internationally utilising M2M eSIM.

As per the recommendation, imported devices using M2M eSIM on international roaming in India must switch to Indian telecom service provider (TSP) profiles within six months of activation or device ownership change.

For domestically imported devices, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and M2M service providers (M2MSPs) will have the freedom to choose Indian TSP profiles for installation on M2M eSIMs.

TRAI has temporarily deferred the use of the 901.XX IMSI series allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to Indian entities for M2M services in India, citing implementation challenges.

Meanwhile, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently revised the guidelines for mobile number portability (MNP), which are set to take effect on July 1. The move is part of efforts to combat SIM swap fraud prevalent in India. Under the new rules, users who have acquired a new SIM card due to theft or damage and subsequently purchased another SIM card will not be able to port to a new SIM within the following 7 days.