India Blocks 25 Million Chinese Handsets, Pakistan may Follow

As indicated in our April post , India has blocked 25 million Chinese handset having fake IMEI numbers. The authorities had concerns since long due to security threats behind in illegal identification numbers burnt in handsets. Networks have been ordered to block all such devices with effect from November 30th. Indian Government is facilitating the effected consumers by opening authorized IMEI Implant Centers where a subscriber may get a fresh IMEI by paying Rs. 199. The association of network operators is trying to get another deadline to save from potential adverse effects on revenue and customer retention.

This has fueled up the debate within Pakistan as PTA should also block such devices to reduce illegal or terrorists’ communication. But this must be done in an organized way and with proper customer facilitation to get fresh IMEI in order to save customers from pain and operators from revenue losses.

See Also:

Good morning, 17m handsets not working

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125977131216572963.html

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Chinese-mobile-handsets-to-get-Indian-identity/articleshow/5286535.cms

Pakistan: Handsets sans IMEI threat to national security