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As Hong Kong and the rest of the world step into the 5G era, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is reportedly developing a series of 5G-enabling hardware and software solutions in partnership with its ecosystem partners.
At its booth (N1.D130) in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2019, ASTRI is showcasing a series of its latest 5G innovations from 26 to 28 June 2019.
In addition, ASTRI is jointly performing various technology demonstrations at its partners’ booths. From 5G Centralised RAN (C-RAN) base stations to standalone 200 Gbps 5G core network solution, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to smart mobility, ASTRI’s tools, platforms and applications help develop world-class smart cities.
The institute’s innovations have been developed in partnership with leading industry players.
ASTRI is showcasing the following technologies and solutions at the expo:
- 5G end-to-end system (5G C-RAN base station and 5G Core)
ASTRI will demonstrate live 5G connection on a commercial 5G-enabled smartphone, using its end-to-end 5G C-RAN and Mobile Core system. ASTRI’s network design supports up to 2 Gbps throughput with four spatial layers in the sub-6GHz spectrum. The solution has been adopted by a series of 5G network equipment manufacturers based in the Mainland and overseas. The solution also enables public and private network builders to introduce 5G-powered Smart City applications for smart living, smart manufacturing and smart mobility.
- 5G standalone Core Network at 200Gbps (jointly with Intel)
This joint demonstration will showcase the compelling performance of 5G core network, processing over 200Gbps throughput on standard servers featuring two scalable processors by a leading American semiconductor manufacturing company.
- Edge Computing and AI for road safety (jointly with Intel)
This joint demonstration will showcase a smart roadside infrastructure with artificial intelligence and visual sensing capabilities. ASTRI’s C-V2X Edge Software, deployed on Intel’s Smart Roadside Computing Unit, can recognise vehicles, people and objects in real time. By issuing real-time alerts, this solution will minimise accidents and greatly improve road safety.
- Smart mobility technologies (jointly with HKT)
ASTRI’s smart mobility technologies cover a wide range of usage scenarios, on Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X), Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and other Intelligent Transport System (ITS) services. ASTRI and HKT are working closely on realising the Smart Mobility Technologies in Hong Kong.
- Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Chip (jointly with Keysight)
This demonstration showcases the latest low-cost, low-power NB-IoT chip solutions for a wide range of 3GPP-compliant low-cost and low-power IoT services. ASTRI’s NB-IoT chip adopts a unique polar transmitter architecture and integrates on-chip high-efficiency CMOS power amplifier, power management unit and digitally controlled crystal oscillator.
- Biometric Optical See Through (OST) Head Mount Display (HMD)
ASTRI’s Biometric OST HMD is the world’s first turnkey solution to integrate extremely high image quality, smooth human-machine interaction and security identification features. Its see-through feature plus high display image quality provides vivid visual experience; iris recognition feature performs high-security biometric authentication, and eye-gazing tracking capability provides accurate focus point detection and high user flexibility.
- Virtual Mobile Core Network auto-scaling with ONAP DataLake (jointly with QCT and CMRI)
ASTRI’s Virtual Mobile Core Network is integrated and deployed on top of QCT’s Next Generation Central Office (NGCO) virtualized infrastructure with telemetry running on an x86 server, with OpenStack services, VNF-ASTRI EPC, and ONAP information injected into the ONAP DataLake. This architecture enables auto-scaling by using the ONAP DataLake with analytics, which can provide intelligent scale-in and scale-out mechanisms for virtual mobile core network operations.
- Intelligent Blockchain-based IoT Platform (jointly with CMHK at GSMA Innovation City)
As Hong Kong largest R&D institute, ASTRI collaborates with China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) to bring the Blockchain IoT to the live network with CMHK’s latest IoT management system – OneNET. The platform uses a secured data exchange for the data provider to share IoT data with integrity. Through connecting the data providers and consumers, the platform can monetise and strategically exploit the potentially enormous value of the vast amount of IoT data.
The key issue in transforming IoT data to business value is addressed. The platform can help companies and individuals to unleash huge business potential by acting as a trusted intermediary to offer data exchange with integrity among third parties.
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In a significant scientific breakthrough in a space sector, Dr Sarah Kessans has developed hardware designed to operate autonomously in orbit, transforming the study of protein crystallisation in microgravity. This technology provides scientists on Earth with unprecedented insights into protein behaviour, with far-reaching implications for developing more effective medicines and vaccines, among other applications.
Minister for Space Dr Megan Collins lauds Dr Kessans’ research as an inspiring example of how space technology can drive innovation on Earth. This achievement follows the recent successful launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to track and monitor global emissions from space, highlighting the significant potential of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges while bolstering our globally competitive space sector.
The MethaneSAT satellite will be equipped with a highly sensitive spectrometre that can detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and it will have high-spatial resolution coupled with a broad, 200-kilometre view path, allowing it to quantify even small emission sources over large areas.
Dr Kessans’ research culminated in successfully launching her hardware on a rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, USA. This mission also included protein experiments from leading New Zealand universities, including Canterbury, Otago, Victoria, and Waikato, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the country’s academic institutions in advancing space science and technology.
The launch of Dr Kessans’ project results from a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the US commercial space company Axiom Space. This partnership aims to facilitate New Zealand researchers’ advancement in space science and technology, fostering innovation and driving collaboration between academia, government, and private enterprise.
Dr Kessans’ project has also received government funding for further development through the MBIE-administered Endeavour Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the space sector. This collaborative effort between academia, government, and private enterprise is a testament to New Zealand’s growing presence in the global space economy, positioning the country as a key player in space research and technology development.
Previously, New Zealand had collaborated with several countries, including Australia, to advance space research, as reported by OpenGov. The collaboration between SmartSat and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) is an important development. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities aims to accelerate the growth and technological advancement of the Australian and New Zealand space industries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration and innovation in the Australasian region.
This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, driving research and development (R&D), and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of propelling technological breakthroughs in the space sector. The MoU, ceremoniously signed at the NZSA headquarters in Wellington, signifies a strategic alignment between SmartSat and NZSA to leverage their combined resources and expertise.
At the core of this collaboration, it is designated to support joint research initiatives in three key technological domains: Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Optical Communications. These areas represent the forefront of space exploration, offering immense potential to revolutionise humanity’s perception and interaction with the cosmos.
Minister Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, praised the new agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in space exploration. In a statement on her official website, she reiterated her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, recognising the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges.
Minister Collins reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing the country’s space sector, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the New Zealand research community, international space agencies, and commercial collaborators. These collaborative approaches underscore New Zealand’s commitment to advancing space science and technology to benefit society and the economy, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.
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In a landmark display of indigenous innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) unveiled its latest breakthrough: the NeoStand Electric Standing Wheelchair. This cutting-edge mobility solution promises to redefine accessibility for wheelchair users across India.
With its emphasis on user empowerment and well-being enabled by technology, NeoStand stands poised to usher in a new era of accessibility, where every individual, regardless of ability, can realise their full potential.
Led by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras, the development of NeoStand represents a significant milestone in the quest for inclusive technology.
At the heart of NeoStand lies a commitment to user-centric design and functionality. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, NeoStand features a motorised standing mechanism that allows users to effortlessly transition between sitting and standing positions with the push of a button. This innovative feature opens up a world of possibilities for individuals with mobility impairments, enabling them to engage in face-to-face interactions, access higher shelves, and experience the physical and psychological benefits of standing.
The launch event illuminated the profound societal impact of NeoStand, showcasing its potential to redefine accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with mobility impairments. By bridging the gap between innovation and social responsibility, NeoStand symbolises a transformative shift towards a more equitable and empowering future
“These translational research endeavours underscore our commitment to fostering social impact through innovative solutions,” remarked Professor Kamakoti. “Indeed, NeoStand represents more than just a mobility aid; it symbolises a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address the needs of individuals with disabilities.”
One of the key drivers behind NeoStand’s development is its emphasis on promoting user independence and well-being. For many wheelchair users, the ability to stand remains an elusive goal, often hampered by physical limitations and reliance on external assistance. NeoStand seeks to address these challenges head-on, offering users the freedom to stand comfortably whenever needed. This not only enhances their physical health by improving blood circulation and digestion but also fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
The journey from concept to reality has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Sponsored by a company as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative and developed in partnership with NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, NeoStand exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private collaboration.
“The launch of a new product this evening for the differently abled signifies a turning point in our endeavour to foster inclusiveness and empowerment,” remarked Mr. Sudhakar Rao, IAS (Rtd), Member of the Board of Directors at the company.
Professor Srinivasan, the driving force behind NeoStand’s development, highlighted the device’s therapeutic benefits and ease of use. “Integrating standing functionality into a wheelchair provides health benefits as well as functional and psychological benefits to the user,” she explained.
Testimonials from users like Mr. Justin Jesudas, a quadriplegic individual, further attest to the life-changing impact of NeoStand who noted that, “The ability to stand with just a push of a button makes the wheelchair even more inclusive, helping quadriplegics to stand independently.”
Looking ahead, NeoStand stands out for individuals with mobility impairments, promising a future where accessibility knows no bounds. As India continues to embrace innovation and inclusivity, initiatives like NeoStand serve as a testament to the transformative power of technology in shaping a more equitable society.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity in the realm of consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (Alliance) recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This milestone agreement underscores a shared commitment to bolstering international cooperation and coordination in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on advancing the security standards of consumer IoT devices.
The MRA, signed by Mr Chua Kuan Seah, Deputy Chief Executive of CSA, and Mr Tobin Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, facilitates the mutual recognition of cybersecurity labels for consumer IoT devices.
By harmonising standards and procedures, the arrangement aims to reduce duplication in testing and costs for manufacturers, thereby fostering a more robust cybersecurity environment for consumer IoT devices globally.
Central to the MRA is the exchange and alignment of information related to relevant standards, requirements, and practices concerning the cybersecurity labeling of consumer IoT. This collaboration lays the groundwork for future developments in cybersecurity certification and labeling schemes, ensuring that evolving threats and technological advancements are adequately addressed.
Mr Chua Kuan Seah emphasised the significance of achieving global alignment for consumer IoT cybersecurity, citing it as a key objective since the launch of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme in 2020. The agreement with the Alliance represents a significant step forward in this endeavor, bringing Singapore closer to its goal of establishing internationally recognised cybersecurity standards for IoT devices.
By promoting Cybersecurity-by-Design and Cybersecurity-by-Default principles, the MRA incentivises manufacturers to embed robust security measures into their IoT devices, ultimately enhancing cybersecurity for consumers worldwide.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, is a consortium of companies devoted to developing standards envisioning seamless interaction to enhance daily experiences. With a membership of over 500 companies, the alliance collaboratively creates application profiles for interoperable products, thereby advancing IoT connectivity and fostering innovation in the industry.
Singapore remains deeply committed to bolstering cybersecurity measures both domestically and internationally. At the national level, initiatives are aimed at fortifying the nation’s digital defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats. These efforts include the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, regular cybersecurity exercises and drills, and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among the populace.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Singapore’s cyberspace to bolster national security, support the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. Through initiatives like the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), CSA swiftly responds to cybersecurity incidents, ensuring the detection, resolution, and prevention of cyber threats.
As part of the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, CSA oversees national cybersecurity functions, collaborates with sector leads to protect critical information infrastructure, and engages stakeholders to raise cybersecurity awareness.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore, represented by CSA, collaborates closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), facilitating information-sharing and enhancing cybersecurity incident response coordination across the region.
Despite a significant increase in scam cases by nearly 50% to 50,376 in 2023 from 33,669 in 2022, proactive cybersecurity measures have led to a positive outcome. These positive trends are attributed to collaborative efforts among various agencies and stakeholders, including the Singapore Police Force, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Smart Nation Group, Monetary Authority of Singapore, and private sector partners.
Singapore’s proactive efforts, including the proposal to host and fund the ASEAN Regional CERT’s physical activities, demonstrate its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and safeguarding critical information infrastructure on a transnational scale.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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Indonesia has been making strides in the realm of public service technology. Back in 2019, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced his intentions to digitalise the government by 2025. The country has been focusing on digital transformation to improve public services and make them more accessible to citizens.
The Indonesian government has been enhancing digital-based public services to integrate all government digital platforms through a single sign-in for user convenience. They are also designing the National Digital Service Integration policy, which includes nine priority digital services: education, healthcare, social assistance, and population administration.
The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) focuses on the sustainability and replication of public service innovations, particularly leveraging digital technology to enhance these efforts. As part of this initiative, 20 government agencies are participating in a pilot test and calibration of instruments that will later be used to evaluate public service innovation development.
As Assistant Deputy for Coordination and Facilitation of Public Service Best Practice Development Strategy at the Ministry of PANRB, Ajib Rakhmawanto stated during the Pilot Test and Calibration of Instruments for Public Service Innovation Development Evaluation in Jakarta, “The Ministry of PANRB has a programme this year related to the evaluation of public service innovation development. This is a follow-up to the Public Service Innovation Competition (KIPP) we have been organising for the past 10 years, which needs to be evaluated to improve innovation development, especially in terms of KIPP implementation in the future.”
Critical aspects of the public service innovation development evaluation include monitoring the sustainability of Top Innovations, replication efforts, and the assessment of public service innovation development that has been ongoing in various government agencies.
To generate reliable and valid data or information, the Ministry of PANRB, in collaboration with experts from Gadjah Mada University and the University of Indonesia, has formulated evaluation instrument drafts. This pilot test aims to ensure the prepared evaluation instruments can accurately benchmark future public service innovation development evaluations.
Ajib encourages active participation in the pilot test of the prepared instruments, aiming to determine their reliability and validity for potential improvements.
Nailuredha Hermanto, a First Policy Analyst at the Ministry of PANRB, highlighted the goal of the public service innovation development evaluation: to gather information on the achievements of the Public Service Innovation Development Programme (PIPP) over the last decade, from 2014 to 2023. The review will focus on government agencies that have undertaken public service innovation development, along with the 1065 Top KIPP Innovations from 2014-2023 and innovations resulting from the replication of Top KIPP Innovations.
The evaluation utilises three instruments:
- A form for assessing the capacity and outcomes of innovation development by government agencies.
- A form for measuring the sustainability of innovations designated as Top KIPP Innovations.
- A form for evaluating innovations that result from replicating Top KIPP Innovations.
Agencies are encouraged to inventory whether they have replicated any award-winning KIPP innovations, as these can be assessed through the replication form.
The 20 government agencies participating in this pilot test and calibration of evaluation instruments for public service innovation development have previously been involved in KIPP and were selected as Top Innovations. This focus not only emphasises the importance of continuous innovation in public service but also underlines the crucial role of digital technology in facilitating these advancements.
Nailuredha remains optimistic that Indonesia is on course to achieve its goal of unified e-government by 2025 despite acknowledging that considerable work is yet to be completed. Since 2020, the country has made significant progress in enhancing e-government services and infrastructure, now moving into the implementation phase to guarantee uniform government service provision across all levels of government agencies, including both central and local bodies.
“The successful digitalisation of Indonesia’s government services by 2025 hinges on ongoing efforts. The eventual realisation and appearance of an e-Government in Indonesia remain to be seen with time,” Nailuredha concluded.
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CSIRO successfully delivered an innovative 3D mapping technology package to the International Space Station (ISS). This cutting-edge system marks a pivotal advancement in space technology, promising to revolutionise navigation and task execution aboard the orbiting laboratory.
As space exploration expands, the need for efficient inventory tracking, damage assessment, and emergency response in off-Earth environments becomes more evident. With lunar and Martian missions looming, where crew time is limited and some facilities may be uncrewed, the demand for accurate autonomous systems is critical. Additionally, rovers and robots exploring extraterrestrial terrain rely on precise mapping data for effective navigation.
In response to these challenges, CSIRO has developed a fused sensor system for autonomous 3D scanning in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, NASA Ames Research Centre, and the ISS National Laboratory. Originally designed for terrestrial applications like remote mine site access, this technology is now set to be demonstrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The multi-resolution scanning payload will be integrated into an Astrobee robot platform, which supports astronaut activities on the ISS. This marks the first time a single piece of technology will utilise both payload bays of an Astrobee robot simultaneously.
Once deployed on the ISS, the multi-resolution scanner will conduct experiments, including full internal scans, beginning with the Japanese experimental module (Kibō). The data collected will support tasks such as inventory analysis, traditionally requiring human intervention, demonstrating the potential for autonomous caretaker functions on uncrewed spacecraft.
The culmination of extensive research and collaboration, this groundbreaking payload is poised to enhance the efficiency and safety of astronauts working on the ISS. Integrated into Astrobee, a versatile robot platform developed by NASA, the 3D mapping device is primed to generate detailed three-dimensional maps of the space station, surpassing previous mapping capabilities with unprecedented accuracy.
Dr. Marc Elmouttie, Research Group Leader at CSIRO, highlighted the overarching goal of this mission, stating, “Our objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of our technology in providing enhanced 3D sensing and mapping for robotics systems on spacecraft.”
This advanced mapping capability holds immense potential for streamlining operations within the ISS, enabling precise tracking of inventory movement and facilitating optimal planning of onboard activities for astronauts and mission controllers.
The technology behind this groundbreaking payload combines two pioneering CSIRO innovations – Stereo-Depth Fusion and Wildcat Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping. This synergy produces high-quality data about the surrounding environment and the device’s movements in space, offering unparalleled insights into spatial dynamics within the ISS.
Developed in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, with support from the ISS National Laboratory and NASA Ames Research Centre, this project underscores CSIRO’s commitment to innovation in remote operations and aerospace manufacturing. Leveraging its expertise in these domains, CSIRO aims to propel space exploration into new frontiers by advancing the capabilities of robotic systems in space environments.
Dr. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research and Innovation for the ISS National Laboratory, emphasised the significance of testing such innovative technologies in low Earth orbit. He noted that these endeavours play a crucial role in shaping the future of space commerce and exploration, driving advancements that will pave the way for unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.
With the successful delivery of the 3D mapping payload to the ISS, the stage is set for a new era of space exploration. The device’s integration into the Astrobee platform marks the beginning of extensive experimentation and validation of its capabilities in the unique microgravity environment of the space station.
As the payload undergoes its first experimentation run in the Japanese Kibō module, anticipation runs high among scientists and engineers involved in the project. This milestone achievement represents a collaborative triumph in space technology, underlining the collective efforts of CSIRO, NASA and the international air and space tech company in advancing the frontiers of human knowledge and exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.
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In a significant development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a comprehensive set of recommendations on the usage of embedded SIM (eSIM) for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. This comes at a crucial juncture, as the proliferation of IoT devices and the imminent rollout of 5G services underscore the pressing need for clear regulatory frameworks to govern emerging technologies.
Prompted by a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), TRAI embarked on an extensive consultative process to solicit insights from stakeholders and industry experts. The formulation of these recommendations began with a consultation paper on ‘Embedded SIM for M2M Communications’ on 25 July 2022. TRAI then fostered extensive stakeholder engagement, including submissions and a virtual open house discussion on December 14, 2022, ensuring broad participation and inclusivity.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement and evolving consumer needs, TRAI’s recommendations aim to address key challenges and opportunities in the realm of M2M communications. At the heart of these recommendations lies a dual commitment to fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer interests.
By delineating clear guidelines for the deployment and management of eSIM technology, TRAI seeks to lay the foundation for a robust and resilient M2M ecosystem that promotes transparency, security, and interoperability.
Central to TRAI’s recommendations is the imperative of ensuring robust security measures across the M2M value chain. Recognising the inherent vulnerabilities associated with IoT devices and the potential ramifications of security breaches, TRAI underscores the importance of implementing stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. By mandating proper verification procedures for device activation and subscription management, TRAI aims to mitigate fraud risks, safeguard network integrity, and enhance consumer trust in M2M communications.
TRAI’s recommendations encompass a comprehensive framework for profile switching of eSIMs and swapping of Subscription Manager-Secure Routing (SM-SR), thereby enhancing flexibility and choice for consumers. By enabling seamless transitions between different network providers and service plans, these provisions empower consumers to optimise their connectivity experience while promoting healthy competition within the telecom sector.
The rollout of 5G services in India has ushered in a new era of connectivity, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Against this backdrop, TRAI’s recommendations seek to capitalise on the transformative potential of M2M communications across diverse sectors such as agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Streamlining the regulatory landscape for M2M eSIMs will facilitate the seamless integration of IoT devices into existing networks, thereby catalysing the development of smart infrastructure and digital ecosystems.
Key stakeholders, including Unified Access Service License holders, Unified License holders, and M2M Service Providers, are envisioned to play pivotal roles in the implementation of these recommendations. By fostering collaboration and partnership between industry players, TRAI aims to ensure the effective deployment and management of eSIM technology, thereby enabling the realisation of India’s vision for digital self-reliance and technological sovereignty.
However, the journey towards realising the full potential of M2M communications is not without its challenges. TRAI acknowledges the complexities inherent in implementing these recommendations, particularly in the context of India’s diverse and dynamic telecom landscape. In this regard, TRAI has refrained from permitting the use of 901.XX IMSI series allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for M2M services in India, citing the need for a phased approach towards adoption and implementation.
TRAI’s recommendations represent a significant milestone in India’s journey towards harnessing the transformative potential of M2M communications. By providing a clear regulatory framework for the deployment and management of eSIM technology, TRAI seeks to foster innovation, promote consumer welfare, and advance the nation’s digital agenda.
As stakeholders gear up to embrace these recommendations, India looks to emerge as a global leader in M2M communications, driving sustainable development, and inclusive growth in the digital era.