NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued a directive instructing all telecom operators to start issuing 13-digit mobile numbers to SIM-based machine-to-machine (M2M) devices. The instruction does not apply to regular customers and they will continue to use the 10-digit mobile number system.
M2M is a technology that enables devices and sensors or things to communicate with each other without human interference. It is an essential part of Internet of Things (IoT), which plays an important role in key government projects and the new 13-digit system is expected to beef up its cyber security.
While certain media reports in recent times created confusion saying every mobile number will have 13-digits from July 1, a senior telecom official made it clear that the new instructions are only for M2M devices and not for regular customers. He also confirmed the implementation of the new 13-digit mobile number system.
State-run operator BSNL said in a letter to Trai that the 13-digit M2M numbering plan will be implemented from July 1, 2018. “From this date onwards, all new M2M mobile connections will be allocated 13-digit numbers only,” it said. Bharti Airtel also confirmed the development in a written response to Trai’s consultation paper where it said, “DoT has already approved a 13-digit numbering series for SIM-based M2M devices which will co-exist with the prevalent 10-digit mobile numbering scheme to be allocated for the Unified Licence (Access Service Authorization).”
DoT said that migration of existing 10-digit M2M numbers to 13-digit will start latest by October 1, 2018 and shall be completed by December 31, 2018.