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.

[Ankit Bansal]

I donot understand the attitude of Indian Service providers.  They donot even let test us test their network by providing the test sims.  I know they want to push their own manufactured devices for higer margins, but they need to understand that until user become familiar with their network, how he/she would place a high quantity order. 

Does anyone able to get the hands on the NB iot sim for testing purpose. 

[ujur007]

This situation is since long time, and I am sure if they were serious about it would have changed so far. 

This is like if you are a developer, you cannot make a product at first step, rather if you import devices from abroad, you can sell them for sure.!! Not a developer friendly atmosphere.