India will introduce 13-digit mobile numbers for machine-to-machine communications and not to individual wireless subscribers.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided that all M2M connections will be migrated from the current 10-digit numbering systems to a 13-digit one.

The government will implement the 13-digit M2M numbering plan from July 2018. “From this date, all new M2M mobile connections will be allocated 13-digit numbers only,” said BSNL in a letter to technology suppliers ZTE and Nokia.

All TSP’s must ensure that their network elements, including IT and other relevant systems are aligned with 13-digit numbering for M2M SIMs before July 2018. The readiness of LI system has also to be ensured for 13-digit numbers before July 2018.

BSNL said the migration is scheduled to start from October 2018 and completed by December 31 2018.