Department of Telecommunications Enables Seamless Transfer of M2M SIM Ownership to Support IoT Services
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Communications | Department of Telecommunications
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released a new framework allowing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM cards to be formally transferred from one M2M Service Provider (M2M SP) to another without interrupting service.
These SIMs form the connectivity backbone of Internet of Things (IoT) applications—from smart meters and connected vehicles to logistics tracking and industrial automation. The new rules ensure regulatory clarity and smoother transitions when service ownership changes.
Key Features of the Framework
The M2M Service User or enterprise client can request transfer between licensed M2M SPs.
The transferring provider must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) within 15 days, provided no dues are pending.
The new provider assumes full liability and KYC responsibility, submitting an undertaking to the Access Service Provider.
Access providers will update ownership records and validate KYC, ensuring no service disruption for end users.
Sector Significance
M2M connectivity underpins India’s expanding IoT ecosystem—spanning smart grids, telematics, precision agriculture, and city-level sensor networks.
By formalising SIM ownership transfer, DoT strengthens the regulatory base for Digital India, 5G/6G-enabled IoT, and industrial automation initiatives. The move also protects investments and promotes business continuity for enterprises adopting large-scale M2M solutions.
The framework supports India’s digital-economy vision by improving reliability and trust in M2M/IoT infrastructure. It aligns with Digital India, Make in India, and National Digital Communications Policy 2018, ensuring that policy and regulation keep pace with emerging IoT markets.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India expand this framework to cover cross-border IoT deployments, satellite-based connectivity, and next-generation 6G use cases, ensuring data security while enabling seamless device interoperability?
Follow the full news here: PIB Press Release 2183636