Indian Government Bans Import of Mobile Phones Sans IMEI Number

According to the latest news, the Government of India has banned the import of mobile phones which do not have the IMEI number. The IMEI number is a 15 digit code that is found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. At the moment, it is estimated that around 25 million mobile phones in the Indian market do not have an IMEI number.

This move to ban such mobile phones has come in the wake of grave security concerns about terrorists using mobile phones without IMEI numbers for their nefarious activities. This move is expected to hit a number of Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers, as they were routing such mobiles into the grey market.

Mobile networks can identify the IMEI number and allow access only to mobile phones that have a valid number. Thus, operators can identify mobile phones without an IMEI number and deny access to the network. Moreover, only genuine devices can be allowed network access and illegal use can thus be curbed.

Earlier, the department of telecommunications (DoT) had asked mobile operators in India to disconnect all mobile phones without the IMEI number. Those individuals who have a mobile number without an IMEI number can obtain one through the Mobile Alliance of India which will setup 1600 outlets across the country to provide the numbers. Those individuals who fail to obtain the IMEI numbers will have their services disconnected from June 30 onwards.


By: Nihit Aurora

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