DoT finalises framework for transfer of ownership of machine-to-machine SIMs

The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, has issued an Office Memorandum to notify the Framework for Transfer of machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM Ownership from one M2M Service Provider or Licensee to another M2M SIM Service Provider or Licensee, according to a press release by the Ministry of Communications on Wednesday.

Currently, there is no provision for changing the name of the owner of M2M SIMs under the prevailing guidelines. Therefore, M2M services for affected end consumers may be disrupted whenever a situation arises that requires a change of M2M Service Provider. The new framework establishes a formal procedure for M2M SIM ownership transfer to ensure a smooth, compliant transition without service discontinuity. This is applicable to all M2M Service Providers or Licensees.

The user of the M2M service must submit a formal written request to the existing M2M SP or Licensee, detailing the M2M SIMs and specifying the intended transferee M2M SP or Licensee. Within 15 days of receiving the user’s request, the transferor must issue a No Objection Certificate to the concerned Access Service Providers, provided there are no outstanding dues from the M2M Service user.

The transferee M2M Service Providers or Licensee must submit a formal Undertaking or Declaration to the Access Service Provider or Providers mentioning that it accepts all responsibilities, liabilities, and duties, including compliance with KYC and related guidelines, for the transferred M2M SIMs.

This is followed by the ASP scrutinising the transfer request raised by the M2M Service user and then verifying the NOC from the transferor and the undertaking from the transferee. Upon successful verification, the ASP(s) must reverify KYC and update subscriber records to reflect the new ownership. Importantly, each M2M SIM must always remain mapped to an M2M Service Provider or licensee, and there shall be no discontinuation of M2M service to the user.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the introduction of this framework highlights DoT’s ongoing efforts to protect end-user interests while enabling service providers to operate flexibly, ensuring India’s M2M and IoT services stay reliable and prepared for the future