TRAI's Recommendations on Embedded SIM for M2M Communications

Summary and Important Points:

1. Background and Process

• Initiative: Department of Telecommunications requested TRAI's recommendations for M2M communications.

• Procedure: Consultation paper issued, followed by stakeholder feedback and open house discussions.

2. Objective and Context

• Goal: Streamlining the regulatory landscape for M2M embedded SIMs in India.

• Context: Expansion of M2M applications with the rollout of 5G services in sectors like agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.

3. Security and Flexibility

• Emphasis: Ensuring security through KYC and framework for profile switching and SM-SR swapping.

• Outcome: Enhanced network security, fraud mitigation, and sector competition.

4. Salient Features of Recommendations

• M2M eSIM Regulation: Mandatory conversion of international roaming profiles to Indian TSP profiles within six months.

• Ownership and Management: Authorization for specific entities to own and manage SM-SRs in India.

• Profile Installation Flexibility: Options for profile installation on M2M eSIMs for imported devices.

• Integration and Switching: Obligations for M2MSP registrants and licensees for SM-SR integration and switching as per GSMA specifications.

• IMSI Series Usage: Current prohibition of 901.XX IMSI series for M2M services in India.

Additional Information

• M2M: Machine-to-Machine communications.

• SM-SR: Subscription Manager-Secure Routing.

• SM-DP: Subscription Manager-Data Preparation.

• GSMA: Global System for Mobile Communications Association.

Examination Perspective and Concise Points for Use

• Regulatory Framework: Understanding the impact of TRAI's recommendations on M2M communications.

• Technology and Security: Significance of KYC and profile switching in M2M eSIM management.

• Telecom Innovations: The role of embedded SIMs in advancing India's 5G and M2M communications.

Key Words to Remember

• Embedded SIM (eSIM)

• Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications

• TRAI Recommendations

• Security and KYC

• Profile Switching and SM-SR

Link to Article : Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

Released On : 26 March 2024