New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Monday released recommendations proposing an International M2M SIM authorisation to regulate foreign SIM and eSIM cards used in export-oriented IoT and M2M devices.
TRAI said the recommendations aimed to address the absence of a regulatory framework for the sale of foreign telecom service providers’ SIM and eSIM cards for devices meant exclusively for export. Therefore, it sought to ensure regulatory clarity while safeguarding security interests.
The Department of Telecommunications had sought TRAI’s recommendations through a letter dated September 17, 2024. The request covered the terms and conditions for issuing and renewing no objection certificates for importing and selling foreign SIM and eSIM cards for export devices.
Subsequently, TRAI issued a consultation paper on July 4, 2025, to gather stakeholder feedback. As a result, nine stakeholders submitted comments. Meanwhile, TRAI conducted an online open house discussion on September 25, 2025.
International M2M SIM framework proposed under Telecom Act
Based on stakeholder inputs, TRAI recommended a light-touch authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. It proposed naming this framework the International M2M SIM Service Authorisation.
TRAI said the authorisation process should operate online through an auto-generated and digitally signed system. Additionally, any company registered under the Indian Companies Act would be eligible to apply. The regulator recommended no entry fee, equity condition, net-worth requirement, bank guarantee or authorisation fee. However, it proposed an application processing fee of Rs. 5,000 with a validity period of 10 years.
For testing purposes, TRAI recommended allowing foreign SIM and eSIM cards to remain active in India for up to six months. Moreover, it advised the DoT to coordinate with other central ministries, including finance and commerce, to enable smooth import and export of SIM cards used in M2M and IoT devices.
TRAI said the framework would support the Make in India initiative by improving global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. It added that the recommendations would help Indian firms compete with established global players while maintaining regulatory and security safeguards.
