Numbers for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
Numbers for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications means the largely automated exchange of information between technical devices themselves, for example, machines, vending machines, vehicles or measuring equipment (eg electricity, gas and water meters) or between the devices and a central data processing unit. It includes, among other things, the remote monitoring, control and maintenance of machines, installations and systems, traditionally referred to as telemetry. Communications can be either wire-based or wireless. A human is not usually involved in the communications, although limited human involvement does not preclude classification as M2M communications. M2M technology unites information and communications technology. Automated communication between technical devices is predicted to be a major growth area for the telecommunications industry in the coming years, with rates of growth expected to far exceed those of voice communication. The number of possible M2M devices and M2M services on offer will also rise sharply in the next few years, according to current prognoses.
A consultation focusing on "The effects of developments in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications on numbering" was published with Communication No 139/2011 in the Official Gazette of the Bundesnetzagentur No 5/2011, dated 9 March 2011, and called for written comments. The comments received were assessed and the Bundesnetzagentur formulated a draft numbering plan and an application procedure for numbers for M2M communications based on the results of the evaluation.
A public consultation meeting held about the drafts on 10 June 2013 and the written comments received on the subject show that mobile numbers are primarily used for M2M applications and there is currently no need for a separate numbering space for M2M communications. Regardless of the results of the consultations, the Bundesnetzagentur remains in dialogue with the industry so that it can supply special numbers for M2M applications promptly as required.
Moreover, M2M communications raises complex regulatory questions related to numbering issues. Companies can contact the Bundesnetzagentur if they have questions regarding their planned business models.
Rules for the extra-territorial use of numbers for mobile services and of International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) in M2M communication may be found in the:
Numbering plan for mobile services (version applicable from 23 November 2017) (pdf / 79 KB) in the
Numbering plan IMSIs (consolidated version) (pdf / 42 KB) and in the following Administrative Orders:
Extra-territorial use of foreign International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) in the Federal Republic of Germany for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications (pdf / 22 KB)
Extra-territorial use of foreign numbers in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany for machine-to machine (M2M) communications (pdf / 41 KB)
The Bundesnetzagentur's administrative practice regarding mobile number portability in the case of M2M communications and its handling of applications for an exemption from the porting obligation (by applicants) are discussed in the following Communication:
Portierbarkeit von Rufnummern im Falle von Machine-to-Machine Kommunikation (pdf / 20 KB)
*Document only available in German language