In order to improve security and help in tracking callers using different SIM cards, the Indian government has banned all mobile handsets with fake or duplicate IMEI numbers.
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique 15-17 digit number assigned to mobile phones that use the global system for mobile communications (GSM) technology platform. The IMEI number is used to identify and track mobile handsets on a cellphone network. The Government has already banned the import of fake mobile phones without IMEI numbers or with '00..00' IMEI numbers and the new order will also place a ban on duplicate handsets. The government says banning handsets with fake and duplicate IMEI numbers, will check proliferation and help in improving national security.
"We welcome any crackdown in fake IMEI or grey market. The implementation of this notification on ground will have to be handled with great care so that ease of business is not hampered while curbing grey market," Indian Cellular Association National President Pankaj Mohindroo said.
"GSM mobile handsets with duplicate IMEI or fake IMEI & 'CDMA mobile handsets' with duplicate ESN (Electronic Serial Number)/MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) or fake ESN/MEID are added to the list of 'Prohibited' items for import," Director General of Foreign Trade said in a notification. Read: India records a 40 percent rise in cybercrime
Source: ET