BTRC to Introduce Separate SIM Series for IoT and M2M Devices

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced plans to introduce a new SIM numbering series specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices. This decision comes in response to the rapidly growing network of smart gadgets and sensors, which communicate with each other and the internet without human intervention. The new SIM series is designed to handle the increasing flow of data and to prepare Bangladesh for the next phase of digital transformation.

Currently, IoT and M2M devices share the same mobile numbering series as human users. However, industry experts warn that the existing numbering system may not be able to accommodate the expected surge in IoT connections over the coming decade. As smart meters, vehicle trackers, industrial sensors, and wearable devices continue to proliferate, the need for a dedicated numbering series has become urgent.

The BTRC explained that IoT and M2M SIM cards are specialized for transmitting small data packets over mobile networks. Unlike regular SIM cards, these IoT SIMs are more durable, secure, and can be managed remotely. Importantly, IoT SIMs will not support voice calls, marking a significant step in the regulator's broader plan for large-scale digital adoption in the country.
 

The new IoT SIM numbering series will use the 06 prefix, with specific codes dedicated to operators such as 061 for Banglalink, 062 for Teletalk, 063 for Robi, and 064 for Grameenphone. Other prefixes in the range of 060 to 069 will be reserved for future expansion. The move follows a review of numbering systems in other countries, including India, Malaysia, and France, most of which have implemented separate numbering ranges for IoT and M2M services to improve regulatory oversight and security.

The BTRC is also considering a shift to a 14- or 15-digit format in the long term to ensure scalability, though this would require significant upgrades to the operators' systems. For now, the regulator plans to implement the new system using the existing 13-digit framework, which will allow for the allocation of up to one billion IoT numbers.
 

To further streamline the process, the BTRC will simplify the registration of IoT SIMs, replacing individual verification with corporate or device-based registration. Additionally, inactive numbers will be recycled after three months, as opposed to the current 12-month cycle, ensuring more efficient use of the numbering resources.
 

BTRC officials also indicated that they would request the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to exempt IoT SIMs from the Tk 300 SIM tax. This exemption is seen as crucial for reducing the deployment costs for industries and sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and IoT start-ups.

As industries and municipalities adopt large-scale automation, the demand for IoT connectivity is expected to grow rapidly, with IoT and M2M connections predicted to reach millions in Bangladesh in the near future.