Amid DoT action, Google disables the foreign eSIM applications Holafly and Airalo

Amid DoT action, Google disables the foreign eSIM applications Holafly and Airalo

Amid DoT action, Google disables the foreign eSIM applications Holafly and Airalo

Google and Apple were instructed by DoT to take down such applications because they were selling eSIM cards without authorization.

A digital SIM card is known as an eSIM. According to Moneycontrol, Google has banned Airalo and Holafly from its app store for Indian consumers because they were selling overseas SIM cards without the necessary authorization.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which was also in touch with internet service providers to ban access to the websites of both applications, is the one who ordered the action.

eSIM is available for a number of nations and areas via Spain-based Holafly and Singapore-based Airalo. A consumer may activate a mobile plan utilizing their network provider without a physical SIM card by utilizing an eSIM, or electronic SIM.

To sell international SIM cards in India, a firm needs a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Department of Tourism.

According to sources, the DoT requested that Apple and Google remove Holafly and Airlo from their applications because they lacked permission and a NOC.

On January 5, Moneycontrol attempted to use the Google Play Store to access both applications, but they were not available. At the time this article was written, these applications could be downloaded from Apple's App Store.

Talks over Apple removing the apps are reportedly ongoing, according to a government source.

The applications are accessible for users in other regions but are prohibited for Google and Apple users in India.

Moneycontrol has contacted Apple, Google, Holafly, and Airalo for comments. As soon as they reply, the article will be updated.

Guidelines for selling SIM cards abroad

Businesses who want to sell SIM cards from other countries must get a NOC from the Department of Telecommunications. The DoT policy from 2022 states that these SIM cards provided to Indian users are only meant to be used abroad.

Authorized merchants must authenticate clients with copies of their passports, visas, and other supporting documentation before they may sell or rent these SIMs.

Security authorities would also require vendors to provide worldwide SIM data to them on a monthly basis.