The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released recommendations addressing critical services in the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) sector and the transfer of ownership of M2M SIMs. The Department of Telecommunications had previously referred to TRAI’s 2017 recommendations on spectrum, roaming, and quality of service requirements in M2M communications and requested reconsideration on key issues. These include the identification of critical services in the sector and the process for transferring ownership of M2M SIMs.
TRAI conducted a consultation process, issuing a discussion paper on these topics to solicit industry feedback. Sixteen comments and one counter-comment were received from stakeholders, followed by an open house discussion held virtually in October 2024. Based on stakeholder responses and independent analysis, TRAI finalized its recommendations.
M2M communication facilitates services across various industries, including automotive, utilities, healthcare, public safety, and smart cities. As the ecosystem grows, it will deliver more services to individuals and enterprises through the Internet of Things. Some services require ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity with high availability, making early identification essential. TRAI has proposed a guiding framework for classifying services as critical IoT services. A service qualifies as a critical IoT service if it demands ultra-reliable, low-latency M2M connectivity with very high availability or if disruptions would significantly impact national security, the economy, public health, or public safety.
The responsibility for classifying critical IoT services within specific domains rests with relevant ministries and regulatory bodies in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications. TRAI has recommended that the Department devise an institutional mechanism to assist in the classification process. It has also advocated for a technology-agnostic approach, allowing both wired and wireless M2M communication technologies to be used for delivering critical IoT services, provided they meet performance benchmarks.
Security and privacy concerns surrounding IoT devices stem from the communication modules embedded in them, which connect to telecommunication networks and the internet. TRAI has recommended that M2M communication modules embedded in devices deployed within critical sectors be brought under the framework of Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment in phases.
TRAI’s recommendations also outline a framework for transferring M2M Service Provider registration or authorization in cases of mergers, demergers, and acquisitions. Additionally, an enabling provision has been proposed to facilitate the transfer of ownership of M2M SIMs between authorized entities.
The recommendations are available on TRAI’s official website. For further clarifications, stakeholders may contact the advisor for Network Spectrum and Licensing at TRAI. These measures aim to strengthen the M2M sector, ensuring reliable connectivity, proper regulatory oversight, and streamlined operations for service providers and users alike.
