TRAI Recommends Foreign SIMs for Export IoT
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Dec 30, 2025 · Last updated Dec 31, 2025
The new regulatory framework proposed by the India — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to positively impact Indian manufacturers by simplifying the use of foreign SIMs in export-oriented IoT devices, thereby boosting the 'Make in India' initiative and enhancing global competitiveness. This could lead to increased exports and growth in the technology and manufacturing sectors in India.
The India — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued recommendations for a new regulatory framework to govern the sale and use of foreign SIM and eSIM cards in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices manufactured in India for export. This initiative, prompted by a request from the India — Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to address a regulatory gap and support the 'Make in India' initiative. TRAI proposes a 'light-touch' authorization regime called 'International M2M SIM Service Authorisation', which will be online, digitally signed, and auto-generated, with zero entry or authorization fees, and a processing fee of Rs 5,000. The authorization will be valid for 10 years, and foreign SIM/eSIM cards will be allowed to remain active in India for up to six months for testing purposes. TRAI also advised the DoT to coordinate with the India — Ministry of Finance (India) and the India — Ministry of Trade and Industry to create a harmonized framework for both importing foreign SIMs for export-oriented devices and exporting Indian SIMs for import markets. This framework is expected to unlock market potential for Indian exporters and importers in the M2M/IoT segment, making Indian products more attractive globally.
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