Phones without IMEI numbers to be disconnected from 1st of December 2009!!!
What is IMEI number ?
Every phone manufactured in India or outside comes with a a unique 15-digit code that identifies a mobile. This code is known as the IMEI number. It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It prevents the use of stolen handsets for making calls and allows security agencies to track down a specific user.
Three Co-ordinates:
There are three co-ordinates to every phone call that we make. The first co-ordinate is the IMEI number which is the official identification of the phone according to internationally accepted standards. This identifies our phone to the operator.
The second is our SIM card number which changes when we either switch operator, or switch a plan without changing the operator. This identifies our specific SIM when we make a call. The third co-ordinate is the tower that routes the call. This variable changes as the call is switched across cities and continents.
IMEI number is therefore very important in tracking down the movements of a phone especially in matters of national interest.
If one has a phone how does one locate it on the phone?All phones allow users to access their IMEI number. In Nokia phones for instance, one can press *#06# on their phones to access their IMEI number. In case of theft, this number can be registered with the police.
In the apple Iphone the IMEI number can either be located by accessing the 'about' icon on the Iphone or by attaching the iphone to the itunes software on your computer which would display the IMEI number.
A simple google search saying IMEI number + 'your mobile handset model' should help you fugure how to access the IMEI number on your phone.
Which models are going to die?
The low end Chinese phones that have flooded the market are going to be hit. According to one estimate there are 25 million such phones in the country.
What to do?
Readers who have a Chinese make phone need not panic. All they need to do is contact their mobile operator and ask them to implant an IMEI number on the phone. Remember the government doesn't hate Chinese phones, it only hates the phones that don't have an IMEI. The cellular phone operator association of India had made provision to incorporate a valid IMEI into such Chinese handsets through the use of a software mechanism but the response hasn't been on expected lines.
