Esim
Govt's SIM binding directive on messaging apps 'ultra vires': Industry body
Broadband India Forum, an industry body that represents major tech firms like Meta, Google, and others, has questioned the legal validity of the government's SIM binding mandate, citing a senior counsel's opinion that termed the direction as "ultra vires the parent legislation" and "unconstitutional". In a letter dated February 23 to the Department of Telecom (DoT) secretary Amit Agrawal, BIF highlighted the legal opinion which concluded that the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, and recent directives regarding 'SIM binding' exceed the authority granted by the parent Telecommunications Act of 2023. The matter pertains to a direction issued by the central government in November that will ensure app-based communication services, the likes of WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and others, are continuously linked to a user's active SIM card. In fact, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, earlier this week, in a briefing, made it clear that the decision o
 "Govt's SIM binding directive on messaging apps 'ultra vires': Industry body")
No extension on SIM-binding norms, says Telecom Minister Scindia
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says SIM-binding rules for OTT apps will not be extended, citing national security concerns; satellite spectrum pricing decision awaited
 "No extension on SIM-binding norms, says Telecom Minister Scindia")
Telcos push OTT platforms to self-verify users, not rely on SIM checks
CAF is a critical regulatory document for compliance, and telecom service providers are audited to ensure its accuracy and integrity. Failure to do so can lead to penalties
 "Telcos push OTT platforms to self-verify users, not rely on SIM checks")
DoT mandates device-SIM binding for using communication OTT apps in India
Industry executives say directions have been issued without prior public consultation or impact assessment
 "DoT mandates device-SIM binding for using communication OTT apps in India")
Apple delays iPhone Air launch in China as eSIM approval remains pending
Apple revises launch plans for its ultra-thin iPhone Air in China, as carriers and regulators finalise eSIM rollout. Other iPhone 17 models remain on track for September 19 release
 "Apple delays iPhone Air launch in China as eSIM approval remains pending")
Nearly 4 million SIMs deactivated as govt cracks down on digital fraud
DoT uses AI-based system to detect scam-linked numbers; thousands flagged for verification, hundreds of agents blacklisted
 "Nearly 4 million SIMs deactivated as govt cracks down on digital fraud")
Bharti Airtel switches to recycled PVC SIM cards from virgin plastic
IDEMIA Secure Transactions, a division of the IDEMIA Group, is a leading provider of payment and connectivity solutions for financial institutions, mobile network operators and automotive manufacturer
 "Bharti Airtel switches to recycled PVC SIM cards from virgin plastic")
Google schedules Pixel 8 smartphone series launch for Oct 4: What to expect
The Pixel 8 smartphone series is expected to bring imaging improvements on top of season upgrades with regard to design, features, and performance
 "Google schedules Pixel 8 smartphone series launch for Oct 4: What to expect")
Value of global eSIM market to surge to $16.3 billion by 2027, shows report
The report also found that the total number of eSIM-connected smartphones in China will increase from 103 million in 2023 to 385 million by 2027
 "Value of global eSIM market to surge to $16.3 billion by 2027, shows report")
How-to convert physical SIM into e-SIM on Airtel, Jio, Voda-Idea networks
Unlike physical SIM card, e-SIM is embedded in the device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to convert physical SIM in to e-SIM for smartphones
iPhone 14 series: Launch of eSIM-only handsets has Indian buyers in a fix
Though the physical SIM slot in the India-centric iPhone 14 series is available, many from the country get their iPhones much cheaper from the US
 "iPhone 14 series: Launch of eSIM-only handsets has Indian buyers in a fix")
Mobile operators and device manufacturers clash over SIM shortage
Operators want eSIMS to be made mandatory while phone makers say this will push up costs
Matrix bullish on e-SIM business; to keep focus on medical device vertical
International SIM seller Matrix Cellular is bullish on growth in business due to adoption of e-SIM overseas, and expects 30-40 per cent year-on-year jump as foreign travelling opens up.
India to be global hub for manufacturing eSIMs with IDEMIA's help
French company plans to make Noida plant one of its largest production units
eSIM fraud: Don't respond to fraudsters' blandishments or threats
Investigate before you respond to demands from anonymous sources for personal or banking info
 "eSIM fraud: Don't respond to fraudsters' blandishments or threats")
Now, you can use Vodafone-Idea cellular services on supported Apple Watches
This service is available for Vodafone Postpaid customers, including Enterprise Postpaid, in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat
 "Now, you can use Vodafone-Idea cellular services on supported Apple Watches")
How eSIMs can bring a revolution in India's connected device ecosystem
From revolutionising farming to simple consumer goods, eSIMs are expected to drive the next data change in the country
 "How eSIMs can bring a revolution in India's connected device ecosystem")