Processing .....please wait.. 
The article has been forwarded.... 
Telcos make the IMEI Database a reality
By siliconindia
|
Tuesday, 21 December 2010, 02:58 IST |
3 Comments
New Delhi: The IMEI number, which is a National database containing the unique identity of all the mobile phones is finally going to be launched as a supportive edge is provided by the leading Telcos. This step has been taken in order to block the usage of handsets by strangers if the handset is stolen or lost. TRAI is to put the guidelines and mechanisms into the data base and also decide upon the mode of funding as the proposal for this initiative had come from TRAI, as reported by Joji Thomas Philip of The Economic Times.
The service providers will be able to block all the services of mobiles stolen so that misuse does not take place. Although the resellers of the stolen handsets can use illegal methods to reprogram IMEI number, this can discourage theft to a large extent. International Mobile Equipment Number is a unique 14-digit code used to identify valid devices.
"Blocking of IMEI is an effective solution to discourage mobile theft in the country as it will prevent the usage of stolen handset, which is re-sold in the market to some extent. However, it alone cannot serve the purpose as the handsets can easily be re-programmed and sold in the market," The Cellular Operators Association of India(COAI), the Body representing GSM Operators, said in their response to TRAI.
As per the suggestion of COAI, either the government itself should maintain the central registry, or the regulator, or an authorized third party should take responsibility. This step would not only ensure the maintenance of a global database of stolen devices but also allow the blocking of Indian devices stolen in the other countries. To set up this directory, Reliance Communications has taken the step towards funding it on the basis of the TRAI consumer education fund or from the government in similar lines.
Laws similar to that of UK should be adopted by the Regulator has been proposed by Ericsson. They have also stated that IMEI number re-programming should be made a criminal offense. Several mobile phone operators including BSNL, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices are supporting Ericsson.
