The Ministry of Telecommunications and IT has released a roadmap for rolling-out machine-to-machine (M2M) communications technology in the country. M2M is a network of devices that communicate among themselves using internet or wireless connectivity without human intervention. M2M finds application in areas such as healthcare, tele-education, smart grid, smart building, smart city etc. The government has decided to undertake a number of initiatives to popularise M2M ecosystem in the country including releasing national M2M numbering plan this year, formulation of M2M service provider registration process, issuance of guidelines for M2M specific KYC, SIM transfer, international roaming among others.
The government will also include M2M devices in Preferential Market Access policy that gives preference to indigenously made products. It also has plans to frame suitable radiation guidelines for M2M devices based on research and studies by relevant bodies.
The government is also working on issues such as prescribing M2M standards that are in line with global standards, KYC norms for M2M services, allocation of spectrum for M2M last mile connectivity, privacy issues and data protection.
