DHAKA NEWS
Dhaka, Mar 30 Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed mobile-phone operators to initiate a process in the next six months to legalise all illegal handsets in use on payment of certain amount of money.
As per the directive, the operators have to launch a scheme, named Genuine IMEI Implant Programme (GIIP), under which illegal handset users will be able to get an IMEI number on payment of Tk 50.
Every handset is supposed to have a 15-digit distinct IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which enables detection of a handset.
BTRC chairman Zia Ahmed said the directive has been issued to ensure national security and prevent handset theft and use of 'fake' handsets as well.
According to BTRC, 30 percent of the imported handsets are fake. Presently, 86 million people use mobile phone in Bangladesh.
The directive has already been communicated to all the mobile-phone operators and handset importers and vendors.
BTRC sources said fake handsets are widely being used in criminal activities, but detection of a handset is not possible if it does not have an IMEI number.
According to the BTRC directive, the GIIP has to be initiated after it is confirmed that each mobile phone operator has established its own NEIR (National Equipment Identification Registrar) system.
Once the system is introduced, mobile phone operators will get cell phone number along with the SIM and IMEI numbers from the signal sent by each phone call.
Handset without having an IMEI number can be detected using the system.
The IMEI number of a handset can be checked by pressing *#06# in a single dial.
The BTRC has also asked the mobile-phone operators to build a database of IMEI numbers and keep updating it.
The NEIR system will be connected with Central Equipment Identity Registrar (CEIR) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) so that the handset can be detected even if it is in use outside the country.
Mobile service operators can block the illegal handsets after implementing the BTRC directives.
BTRC has urged the operators to launch media campaign for discouraging use of fake handsets and their theft.
As per the directive, the operators have to launch a scheme, named Genuine IMEI Implant Programme (GIIP), under which illegal handset users will be able to get an IMEI number on payment of Tk 50.
Every handset is supposed to have a 15-digit distinct IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which enables detection of a handset.
BTRC chairman Zia Ahmed said the directive has been issued to ensure national security and prevent handset theft and use of 'fake' handsets as well.
According to BTRC, 30 percent of the imported handsets are fake. Presently, 86 million people use mobile phone in Bangladesh.
The directive has already been communicated to all the mobile-phone operators and handset importers and vendors.
BTRC sources said fake handsets are widely being used in criminal activities, but detection of a handset is not possible if it does not have an IMEI number.
According to the BTRC directive, the GIIP has to be initiated after it is confirmed that each mobile phone operator has established its own NEIR (National Equipment Identification Registrar) system.
Once the system is introduced, mobile phone operators will get cell phone number along with the SIM and IMEI numbers from the signal sent by each phone call.
Handset without having an IMEI number can be detected using the system.
The IMEI number of a handset can be checked by pressing *#06# in a single dial.
The BTRC has also asked the mobile-phone operators to build a database of IMEI numbers and keep updating it.
The NEIR system will be connected with Central Equipment Identity Registrar (CEIR) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) so that the handset can be detected even if it is in use outside the country.
Mobile service operators can block the illegal handsets after implementing the BTRC directives.
BTRC has urged the operators to launch media campaign for discouraging use of fake handsets and their theft.
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