DoT Asks Telcos to Follow KYC Norms Before Issuing M2M SIM Cards

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday issued a notification to telecom operators who are offering Machine-to-Machine (M2M) services to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) norms before issuing SIM cards. The DoT also allowed the use of Embedded SIMs or eSIMs in both single and multiple profile configurations with Over the Air subscription update facility, as per global specifications and standards. The eSIMs will have to be open to lawful interception and monitoring on the network and also be allowed for portability to other carriers. Moreover, the DoT asked the telecom operators to make existing connections KYC compliant within six months.

• Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source
• 
• 

The DoT notification read, “the issuance of such M2M SIMs by authorised telecom licensee having a valid licence under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to the entity/organisation providing M2M services need to follow KYC norms prior to issuance of such SIMs.”

It also said, “the licensee shall ensure adequate verification of each and every customer before enrolling him as a subscriber.”

Unlike person-to-person communication, M2M communication involves communication between two or more devices based on new or evolving technologies without the possibility of human intervention.

It is mobile network driven by remote communication between entities or machines for automation needs, and the applications vary from smart appliances to smart homes and even connected cars. The technology is a key part of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution.

Outgoing or incoming calls from such M2M SIMs will be allowed to/from a predefined set of maximum one number while text messages and data communication shall be allowed only on maximum two numbers, the DoT notification said.