New Delhi: Millions of mobile phones without
unique identification numbers will stop ringing on Monday, as
the deadline by the government to operatros to block calls to
such devices on security concerns is expiring on November 30.
The 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity
(IMEI) number helps security agencies trace calls made from
and received on handsets.
The number, which represents the manufacturer's name, and
type of the phone is automatically registered with the mobile
service provider as soon as the phone is activated.
In the wake of increased threat perception from
terrorists, the Department of Telecom had asked operators not
to allow calls to be completed on handsets without the IMEI
number after November 30.
As per the earlier estimates, over 25 million handsets
are in circulation without IMEI numbers.
After the government's directive, GSM mobile operators
lobby Cellular Operators Association of India was installing
identity number on devices without this number.
However, a large number of users are yet to avail the
number, operators feel the deadline should be extended.
A leading cellular operator, who do not wished to be
identified expressed concern, saying, "Why subscribers are
being penalised. They had purchased handsets from markets
without knowing any such clause."
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 22:08