Invalid IMEI No service for mobile from March 31, 2009

[Shantanu12]

IMEI is a unique 15 digit code that identifies a mobile. It prevents the use of stolen handsets for making calls and allows lawful interception to prove the use of a particular device. The IMEI number appears on the operator’s network whenever a call is made.

Phones from the grey market can now land you in trouble as telecom operators have started informing subscribers that services to cellphones without a valid International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number will soon be disconnected.

Concerned over national security, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked operators to disconnect services to handsets that do not have an IMEI number.

The DoT had asked the service providers to equip networks with the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) to check whether calls were made from genuine handsets.

The service providers have been given a deadline of March 31, 2009, to comply with the order.

One of the leading telecom service provider has already started sending out messages to its subscribers to use phones with IMEI number or face disconnection.

Indian Cellular Association (ICA), the industry body for handset makers, said the government should also impose restrictions at the point of import of mobile devices without IMEI number.

[VijayK]

Low cost Chinese or even locally assembled mobile phones may no longer be an option for buyers, as these handsets either have an invalid IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, or lack it altogether. Such mobile phones without an IMEI number or ones which do not have a valid 14 digit IMEI number (IMEI without any zero is deemed invalid) will be barred from calling to any phone on all networks.