TRAI Releases Recommendations on Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled its recommendations on the ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications,’ aiming to enhance the regulatory framework for M2M embedded SIM (eSIM) in the country. These recommendations come in response to a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), seeking guidance under the TRAI Act, 1997.

The process leading to these recommendations began with a Consultation Paper issued by TRAI on ‘Embedded SIM for M2M Communications’ on July 25, 2022. After receiving comments from 15 stakeholders and hosting an open house discussion on December 14, 2022, TRAI has now finalized its recommendations.

With the advent of 5G services in India, the potential for M2M communication has significantly expanded, offering opportunities across various sectors such as agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation. TRAI’s focus with these recommendations is to ensure security through proper Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. This is crucial for network security, fraud prevention, and maintaining the integrity of the M2M eSIM ecosystem.

Here are the key highlights of TRAI’s recommendations:

1. Profile Conversion: All communication profiles on any M2M eSIM in an imported device on international roaming in India must be converted to profiles of Indian telecom service providers (TSPs) within six months from activation or change of ownership.
2. SM-SR Ownership: Certain license holders and M2M Service Providers (M2MSP) with permissions should be allowed to own and manage Subscription Manager-Secure Routing (SM-SR) in India.
3. Profile Installation: OEMs and M2MSPs should have the flexibility to choose between downloading profiles from Indian TSPs through existing (foreign) SM-SR or new (Indian) SM-SR after switching.
4. Integration and Switching: M2MSPs or telecom licensees controlling M2M eSIMs in India should not refuse integration with SM-DP of licensed telecom providers for profile addition. SM-SR switching should be facilitated upon request, in accordance with GSMA’s specifications.
5. IMSI Series Use: The use of 901.XX IMSI series allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to Indian entities for providing M2M services in India is not permitted at this stage due to implementation challenges.

TRAI believes that implementing these recommendations will promote organized growth in the M2M eSIM segment, encouraging the development of a domestic M2M eSIM ecosystem. These measures are expected to facilitate modern M2M communication and benefit various sectors of the economy.

The detailed recommendations can be found on TRAI’s official website at www.trai.gov.in.