DoT Sets September 30 Deadline for M2M Providers to Register or Risk Connectivity Loss

Telecom access may be lost if the registration requirements—which were initially implemented by the DoT in 2022—are not met

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has set a final deadline of September 30 for machine-to-machine (M2M) service providers to register or face disconnection from telecom networks. M2M technology, which has applications in industries like point-of-sale payments, traffic systems, and car diagnostics, allows devices to share data without the need for human involvement.

The registration requirement has been expanded by the DoT to include wireless personal area network (WPAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN) service providers which support M2M services in addition to M2M operators. Short-range connections such as Bluetooth are part of WPAN, whereas radio waves are utilized by WLAN. Telecom access may be lost if the registration requirements—which were initially implemented by the DoT in 2022—are not met. In accordance with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, registered organizations are required to furnish comprehensive details regarding M2M devices, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, make, model, and custodian details. In addition, they must take action to stop illegal or unsafe information and help authorities decode data for the safety of the country.

52.52 million M2M connections were made in India as of June 2024, with Airtel accounting for the majority with 53.86% of the total, or 28.29 million connections. The rapidly expanding M2M business is expected to be safer and have stronger security through the new laws. Providers who do not register by the deadline run the danger of losing access to necessary telecom services.