TRAI Unveils New Framework for Foreign Telecom SIM Cards
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made significant strides towards enhancing the regulatory environment for foreign telecom service providers’ SIM and eSIM cards used in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices intended for export. This initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to facilitating smoother export operations while addressing associated security concerns.
In response to a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), TRAI has published detailed recommendations aimed at establishing a clear regulatory framework for the sale and renewal of no objection certificates (NOCs) for the import and sale of these foreign SIM and eSIM cards. This request stems from a letter dated September 17, 2024, prompting TRAI to act under section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.
As part of the consultation process, which commenced with the release of a consultation paper on July 4, 2025, TRAI solicited feedback from stakeholders. Following an online open house discussion held on September 25, 2025, TRAI synthesized the feedback received, leading to the finalization of its recommendations.
Key Highlights of TRAI’s Recommendations
TRAI’s recommendations include the introduction of a new service authorization called the “International M2M SIM Service Authorisation.” This light-touch regulation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, aims to streamline the process for Indian manufacturers needing to integrate foreign SIM/eSIM cards into their devices.
Key features of the recommendations specify that the International M2M SIM Service Authorisation will be available online and issued as a digitally signed auto-generated document. Indian companies acting under the Companies Act will have the eligibility to obtain this authorization with minimal financial barriers, including a nominal application processing fee of Rs. 5,000 and no entry fees or guaranteed minimum net worth.
Moreover, the recommendations allow testing of foreign SIM/eSIM cards within India for up to six months, which supports local manufacturers as they prepare their devices for global markets. TRAI further emphasizes the need for coordination among various central government ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce, to establish a cohesive regulatory framework that facilitates the import of foreign telecom services and the export of Indian SIM/eSIM capabilities.
This new regulatory framework aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative, aimed at boosting local manufacturing for international markets and enhancing competitiveness in the global IoT and M2M sectors. The recommendations can be accessed on TRAI’s official website.
For further information or clarifications, interested parties may reach out to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing) at TRAI, via telephone at +91-11-20907758.
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