Handsets without IMEI number to get new unique identification numbers

Handsets without IMEI number to get new unique identification numbers

There is good news for Indian mobile users who own a handset without the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

They would now be able to obtain a new unique identification number for their mobile phones for just Rs. 180.

The government has now allowed the mobile service providers to provide such an identification number to their customers who are stuck with devices without an IMEI code.

The Department of Telecom had previously asked the mobile service providers in the country to disconnect all the devices from their networks which did not have any form of identification.

COAI director general TV Ramachandran spoke about this new initiative: “We believe that most of these handsets are owned by the masses. Thus, it would be unfair and unjust to disconnect such customers as they have bought these handsets unknowingly.”

The problem with this new development is that the government is allowing the use of smuggled devices which might not be properly tested and can be harmful for the users in the long run.