Evaluating if we can use nRF9160/61 to get NB-IoT or LTE-M network connectivity in India, is there any carrier operator who has deployed LTE-M network in India? Available network (eSIM) providers in India?

[Pravin]

We are working on developing wearable device (like band) with cellular-IoT network connectivity. Considering available features and size, nRF91 series seems to be a good choice. I have gone through the documentation of the DK of nRF9160 and as per documentation, the onboard SIM will not work in India and we need to find it on our own. I have googled a little bit and found few of them in India and unlike well known regular LTE/5G network carrier providers (like jio or bharati airtel) they seems to have global presence (probably through tie-up with all local network providers) but I am not sure if they are going to work here. Also I was not able find any network provider in India with LTE-M service (neither as per documentation, Nordic have that certification in India) After development, this device will also be tested in UK so we are looking for cellular module as well as eSIM provider which work in India as well as UK. Please correct me on my above understanding and let me know if Nordic have any cellular-IoT device working in India, whom to contact for sim etc.

[purushothaman]

Hi,

In India, Jio and Airtel are providing NB-IoT services. You should visit their website Smart Connected Coolers - IoT Connectivity Technology | JioThings and fill out the form to request a callback for NB-IoT services. The service provider will contact you within 2 or 3 days. However, they have certain conditions; for example, you should be employed by a company and need to purchase at least 10 SIM cards. I believe Airtel may offer a minimum of 5 SIM cards. Alternatively, Nordic Semiconductor's service representatives may inquire about your project details and assist you in acquiring the operator's SIM card.

[Pravin]

Thank you for your reply, yes I have registered for callback on website, day before yesterday, both for Jio as well as Airtel, but seems like both of them are offering end products, not only SIM card (I mean connectivity solution integrated LTE/NBIOT module from their end), not yet sure though, will see once have callback from them. Talked with their IoT customer care but she doesn't seems to have any idea about what I am talking about.

[purushothaman]

Talked with their IoT customer care but she doesn't seems to have any idea about what I am talking about.
yes, if you ask to normal customer call number, they will not have any idea about IOT, as you said you filled the form you will get a call form technical person soon.so you can ask about your queries. As of knowledge in India there is no LTE-M connection provided only NB-IOT provided.