Telecom Ministry Introduces M2M SIM Ownership Facility in India 

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, has finalized and notified a new Framework for Transfer of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM Ownership to ensure uninterrupted services and operational flexibility for telecom providers and end users.

Until now, there was no provision for change in ownership of M2M SIMs under existing guidelines, often resulting in service disruption for consumers whenever a transfer of service provider was required. The new framework addresses this gap by establishing a formal, standardized process for transferring M2M SIM ownership from one licensed M2M Service Provider (M2MSP) to another.

According to the DoT, the framework enables a smooth and compliant transition of M2M SIM ownership without service discontinuity, and will be applicable to all licensed M2M service providers across India.

Streamlined Process Outlined

Under the new system, the process of ownership transfer will follow a clearly defined sequence of steps:

1. Transfer Request:
   The M2M service user or third party must submit a written request to the existing service provider (transferor), specifying the SIMs to be transferred and identifying the new provider (transferee).

2. No Objection Certificate (NOC):
   Within 15 days of receiving the request, the transferor must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the concerned Access Service Provider(s), provided there are no outstanding dues.

3. Undertaking by Transferee:
   The new M2M Service Provider must submit an undertaking accepting all responsibilities, liabilities, and KYC compliance obligations for the transferred SIMs.

4. Verification and KYC Update:
   The Access Service Provider will verify the transfer documents, perform KYC checks, and update subscriber records to reflect the change in ownership.

DoT has clarified that each M2M SIM must remain mapped to a licensed M2M Service Provider at all times, ensuring no disruption of services to the end user during or after the transition.

Supporting India’s Expanding IoT Ecosystem

Officials said the move is part of DoT’s wider efforts to strengthen India’s M2M and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, balancing regulatory compliance with industry flexibility. The framework is expected to facilitate smoother transitions between operators and promote innovation in connected technologies such as smart metering, vehicle tracking, industrial automation, and telemedicine.