Starting July 1, all SIM-based M2M (machine-to-machine) communication devices will carry a 13-digit number, instead of the 10-digit number now. However, this is applicable only to numbers used by machines to communicate with other machines and not normal retail mobile numbers.
According to a letter that BSNL had sent to its hardware vendors ZTE and Nokia, the Department of Telecommunications, in a meeting on January 8 this year, decided that the 13-digit numbering scheme be implemented for M2M communication.
The DoT had asked all telecom service providers to ensure that their network elements, including IT and other relevant systems, are aligned with the 13-digit numbering for M2M SIMs before July 1, 2018.
BSNL said that the migration of existing M2M numbers, which have 10 digits as in the case of regular mobile phone numbers, to 13-digit numbers will start from October 1, 2018 and will be completed by December 31, 2018.
