Mobile Phones Cause Security Issues?

Easy access to mobiles, sim cards

Millions of cell phones are sold every month in a developing country like India. Unlike in United states or in the United Kingdom, there are no contracts and stuff, and getting a SIM card under 10 minutes is not a difficult task. 315 million users in India, and so many of them do not have proper IMEI.

The wikipedia quotes IMEI as

The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a number unique to every GSM and UMTS and iDEN mobile phone as well as some satellite phones. It is usually found printed on the phone underneath the battery. (IMEI can also be obtained without turning off your phone. IMEI check steps.)

The IMEI is used to disable a cellphone, in case of theft or other issues. Thousands of cell phones in India are found with fake IMEI or no IMEI at all. This is a real security threat in the increasing violence in the recent past. The Indian government is taking very active steps in curbing these activities, after being upset about the recent Mumbai attack.

GREY market in India are found to sell thousands of cell phones at cheaper rates, courtesy – Cell Phones from CHINA. A touch phone loaded with features is available for as low as rupees 2500 (approx. $50 USD), and there are small mobile phone shops in Mumbai, where you can unlock stolen phones. Today, India has the largest cell phone growth percentage, and I would love to see some stats about stolen phones in this country.

Cutting back these activities, the Indian government has ordered mobile operators to take actions to see that the calls arising out of the phones with improper IMEI (absent or fake or just filled with zeros) will not be processed or rejected. The action is supposed to be active from January 6th 2009. But like most activities, there will always be delays and slow reactivity from phone providers. If you are surprised, You are possibly not an Indian, Welcome to India!!

CHECK YOUR CELL PHONE NOW. It takes less than a minute to do the IMEI check.

1. Check if your phone is valid and contains a proper IMEI

2. You should also do this test, when you purchase a new mobile.

STEPS to check IMEI validity

1. dial *#06# on your mobile. You should see a 15 digit number (unless you are using a very old mobile). This number is the IMEI and is unique to your handset.

To find IMEI on Sony Ericsson – press Right * Left Left * Left *

To find IMEI on NOKIA – dial *#92702689# (*#WAR0ANTY#)

To find IMEI on Motorola, LG and other handsets – *#06#

Check IMEI on your mobile

2. Switch off your mobile and check if the 15 digit number behind your battery is also the same. [This number could be 16 digits in old phones, Compare only the first 14 digits]

3. The IMEI number can help you identify your mobile’s manufacturer and other details. Check your IMEI check today to verify your handset. This website can pull out your cell phone manufacturer’s details and other details about your cell phone, using your IMEI.

If your IMEI number does not show up (your mobile could be old) or shows up only zeros, the probability of you using a fake mobile is pretty high.

If you like this article, pass this on to your friends. Let me know of your questions and comments.

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