The Department of Telecom (DoT) of India has instructed all the telecom operators to start using 13-digit numbers for all the existing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) customers. The implementation of the new numbering scheme will begin from 1st July. The last date to migrate to 13-digit number is 31st December 2018.
One should be aware of the fact that regular mobile phone users will continue to use 10-digit mobile number since DoT has only directed M2M customers to switch to 13-digit numbers. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Reliance Jio have also confirmed that the mobile numbers of general users will not be affected by the new development, Times of India reported.
To say again, the new regulation is only restricted to 10-digit M2M number that is meant for industrial use. It is generally used by machines to communicate with other devices over the internet. Such SIMs are used in devices such as swipe machines, cars, electricity meters and so on.
DoT had issued the aforementioned directive on 8th January this year. Even the Ministry of Communication has confirmed that 13-digit numbering scheme has been approved for M2M numbers. BSNL is one of the first operators to have already started on the implementation of 13-digit M2M number.
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance Communications are some of the other M2M service providers in India. From July 1, all the new M2M subscribers will be provided with 13-digit numbers only. The last date provided to all the other telecom operators in the country to begin migration to 13-digit M2M number is 1st October.
