Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has approved the proposal to start issuing 13-digit mobile numbers for SIM based machine-to-machine (M2M) services. Subsequently, DoT has notified all the telecom providers about the scheme and has asked them to issue such SIM Cards for M2M Devices. Henceforth, these mobile numbers will co-exist with existing 10-digit mobile numbers. Accordingly, DoT has already send a letter to various departments of Central government on 9 February 2018.
M2M devices are the internet enabled devices like Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines or other machines like refrigerators which communicate through SIM Card. M2M basically refers to cellular network driven remote communication between 2 machines for automation needs. Application of M2M devices vary from Smart Appliances to smart home systems and other connected vehicles.
This decision does not have any effect on mobile phone SIM Numbers. Accordingly, DoT will implement this 13 digit M2M SIM Numbers Scheme from 1 July 2018.
13 Digit SIM Mobile Numbers for M2M Devices
From 1 July 2018, all new M2M connections will get allocated 13 digit mobile numbers only. Subsequently, all the telecom service providers must ensure that their IT and other network elements are aligned for 13 digit number system for M2M SIM Cards before 1 July 2018.
Accordingly, govt. will start the migration process of existing M2M SIM Numbers to 13 digits before 1 October 2018. Moreover, this entire process of migration of SIM Card numbers from 10 to 13 digits must get completed before 31 December 2018.
10 digit Retail Mobile Numbers
People are in confusion whether the retail mobile numbers of 10 digits will get changed to 13 digit SIM Card Numbers which is not the case. The 10-digit mobile number scheme remain applicable for the citizens. This 13-Digit Mobile Number scheme is only for M2M services which Indian Telecom Providers gives as a part of their enterprise offerings.
Till date, telecom providers issues 10 digit mobile numbers for M2M connections which will now change to 13 digit SIM numbers. However, for regular voice and data services, 10 digit SIM Numbers will remain applicable.
Various Telecom Operators such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, RCom and BSNL offers M2M enterprise customer services. For example, Airtel M2M offers Smart Metering, Asset Tracking Solutions, Equipment Monitoring Solutions and Traffic Management Solution.
13-digit Numbering Scheme gets approval for only SIM-based M2M devices which will co-exist with existing 10-digit mobile numbering scheme. For this reason, all the telecom providers must ensure that their LI system are ready for 13 Digit mobile Numbering Scheme for SIM Based M2M services.
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