Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Apr 02, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio | Blogs
Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Apr 02, 2009 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio | Blogs |
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Info-Tech
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Telecommunications Web Extras - Regulatory Bodies & Rulings IMEI issue: GSM players seek more time Thomas K Thomas New Delhi, April 1 GSM-based cellular operators have sought more time to comply with the Government’s order to address security concerns arising out of handsets without an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number. IMEI is a unique 15 digit code that identifies a mobile. It prevents the use of stolen handsets for making calls and allows security agencies to track down a specific user. However, a number of handsets sold in the grey market do not come with the IMEI, which is of concern for security agencies. Concerned over the national security, the Department of Telecom had asked operators to disconnect services to handsets that do not have IMEI number by March 31. There are about 30 million mobile users with handsets that do not have this number. The Cellular Operators Association of India has developed a software that will enable operators to provide IMEI numbers to handsets that do not have it. The software was demonstrated to the security agencies that had pointed out loopholes in the system being proposed by the operators. However, now the software developer has addressed all the issues raised by DoT and the security agencies, said an industry source. COAI has written to DoT seeking 4-6 weeks time to launch the software on a nation-wide basis. COAI has asked DoT to reconsider its direction to disconnect all subscribers with handsets that do not have the IMEI number. The industry body has told the department that since most of the subscribers using handsets from the grey market are from the low-end category, it would be unfair to disconnect them considering that they may have bought the device without understanding the importance of having an IMEI number. Unique mobile number Lost your mobile phone? More Stories on : Telecommunications | Regulatory Bodies & Rulings
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