Trai Seeks Views on Framework for Use of Foreign SIMs
A consultation document to investigate a framework to permit the use of foreign SIMs in devices intended solely for export was launched by telecom regulator Trai.
Subscriber identity modules, or SIM cards, are chips needed to link a device to a telecommunications network.
A consultation document on the "regulatory framework for the sale of foreign telecom service providers' SIM/eSIM cards for the use in M2M/IoT devices meant for export purposes" has been released by the regulator in response to a reference requested by the Department of Telecommunications at the request of the industry.
"The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has posted a consultation paper on "the Regulatory Framework for the Sale of Foreign Telecom Service Providers' SIM/eSIM Cards for the Usage in M2M/IoT Devices Meant for Export Purposes" on its website in this regard," the agency stated.
Although the current rule permits the sale of SIM cards from foreign telecom carriers for usage by clients traveling abroad, the industry has identified restrictions and requested clarification, particularly regarding the permission to sell SIM cards for devices intended solely for export.
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The current regulation requires that SIM cards be activated 48 hours prior to international travel and deactivated 24 hours after arrival in India.
The industry has stated that in order to guarantee the complete performance of machine-to-machine and internet of things (IoT) devices before they are exported, the SIM may need to be enabled for a brief amount of time during manufacture for sample, demo, or prototype testing.
As part of the process, Trai is looking for feedback on whether all legitimate Indian entities should be able to obtain a "no objection certificate" to purchase and sell such SIMs or eSIMs, or if only telecom license holders should be permitted to sell SIMs for export.
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Trai has set August 1 as the deadline for comments on the consultation document and August 18 as the deadline for counter-comments.