In a recent development, Google has imposed restrictions on two popular international eSIM providers, Airalo and Holafly, for users in India. The move comes after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued directions to Google and Apple to comply with existing telecom policies in the country. While Google has already blocked downloads of the apps, Apple is yet to follow suit. This article explores the reasons behind the restrictions and examines the implications for users in India.
The DoT has mandated that international roaming SIM card providers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to sell or rent their services in India. Airalo and Holafly did not possess the requisite NOC, leading to the blocking of their apps on Google Play Store. The DoT has also instructed Apple and Google to restrict downloads of these apps due to their lack of compliance. As a result, both Airalo and Holafly are currently unavailable in India.
In January 2022, the DoT introduced a revised policy for the issue or renewal of NOCs for international roaming SIM cards. According to the policy, foreign operators must fulfill several requirements to receive an NOC. These include being registered as an Indian company, offering international card usage outside India, and collecting necessary documentation from users such as passports, proof of identity, and proof of address. Additionally, providers are mandated to submit a detailed monthly report to security agencies, outlining customer details who have been provided with SIM cards.
Google has taken the enforcement of telecom policies seriously by blocking the downloads of Airalo and Holafly’s apps on the Google Play Store for users in India. The tech giant’s decision aligns with the directions issued by the DoT. However, it should be noted that Google’s restrictions only apply to Android users, as the apps are still accessible via the App Store on iOS devices.
Unlike Google, Apple has not yet blocked downloads of the restricted apps in India. However, discussions are underway between the Indian government and Apple to ensure compliance with the DoT’s directives. This suggests that Apple may also restrict access to Airalo and Holafly’s apps on their smartphones in the country in the near future.
The restrictions on Airalo and Holafly’s apps have a direct impact on users in India who rely on these services while traveling internationally. With the unavailability of these apps on the Google Play Store, users may face difficulties accessing international calling and data services through their eSIM cards. This situation highlights the importance of obtaining necessary regulatory approvals before launching services in a country like India.
Google’s action to restrict access to Airalo and Holafly’s apps in India demonstrates its commitment to adhering to the country’s telecom policies. The move is in line with the directives issued by the DoT, which aims to regulate the sale and rental of international roaming SIM cards. With discussions underway between the Indian government and Apple, it is likely that restrictions will also be imposed on iOS devices. This development serves as a reminder to international eSIM providers to ensure compliance with local regulations to avoid similar restrictions in the future.