TRAI Releases Guidelines For Streamlining M2M eSIM Industry

The TRAI's recommendations underscore the importance of bolstering security through robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

The regulatory body proposed a framework for profile switching of eSIMs and swapping of SM-SR.

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday issued recommendations to simplify the regulatory framework for machine-to-machine (M2M) embedded SIM (eSIM) technology in India. As 5G services are being rolled out nationwide, the M2M ecosystem sees significant growth opportunities, opening up new possibilities for applications across sectors like agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.

The TRAI's recommendations underscore the importance of bolstering security through robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. This measure is crucial for safeguarding network integrity, minimising fraud threats, and fortifying the overall security of the M2M eSIM ecosystem.

Furthermore, the regulatory body proposed a framework for profile switching of eSIMs and swapping of SM-SR. Such measures will offer considerable flexibility to M2M eSIM users and foster competition within the sector.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) previously requested TRAI's recommendations pursuant to the TRAI Act, 1997, regarding the utilisation of embedded SIM for M2M communications. TRAI further stated that if the government implements these recommendations, it will foster structured expansion within India's M2M eSIM sector and encourage the establishment of a domestic M2M eSIM ecosystem.

One notable feature entails mandatory conversion/reconfiguration of all communication profiles on any M2M eSIM installed in an imported device during international roaming in India. This conversion/reconfiguration must occur within six months from the activation of international roaming on the M2M eSIM or upon the change of device ownership, whichever comes first.

To facilitate the installation of profiles from Indian telecom service providers (TSPs) on M2M eSIMs embedded in devices imported into India, the respective original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and M2M service provider (M2MSP) should be granted the flexibility to select from multiple profiles.

"Keeping in view the challenges in its implementation, the use of 901.XX IMSI series allocated by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to Indian entities should not be permitted for providing M2M services in India, at this stage," said the TRAI.