A few weeks after Google and Apple removed eSIM apps Airalo and Holafly based on directions of the Indian government, Singapore-based Airalo said that they are working with local partners to ensure compliance and resuming services to Indian travellers soon.
Earlier, Moneycontrol exclusively reported how Airalo and Holafly, were flagged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for selling international SIMS without required clearances.
The DoT then sent takedown orders to Google and Apple to pull down the apps for Indian users from their respective app stores, and also to internet service providers to block access to the websites of the two apps.
"Airalo is dedicated to offering reliable and accessible connectivity for global travellers through our innovative eSIM technology. As a leader in this emerging industry, we welcome evolving regulatory requirements and are collaborating with local partners to ensure compliance," Airalo said in a statement to Moneycontrol.
"As the country with the highest proportion of early technology adopters, India is an important market for Airalo and we are looking forward to providing our worldwide connectivity services to Indian travellers as soon as possible," the statement added.
Singapore-based Airalo and Spain-based Holafly offer eSIMs for multiple countries and regions. eSIM is a digital SIM that allows a customer to activate a mobile plan with one's network provider without using a physical SIM card.
To sell foreign SIM cards in India, a company needs a no objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT. As Holafly and Airalo didn’t have the NoC or the authorisation, the DoT told Apple and Google to take down the apps, sources said.
Rules for selling international SIMs
Entities that plan to intend to sell foreign SIM cards need to take NOC from DoT. These SIM cards offered to Indian customers can only be used outside the country, DoT's 2022 policy says.
For selling or renting these SIMs, the authorised sellers will have to authenticate customers with their copy of passport, visa and other additional proofs.
The sellers also need to provide details of global SIMs to security agencies every month.
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