BANGALORE, INDIA: Airwide Solutions, a provider of next-generation mobile messaging and mobile internet infrastructure, applications and solutions, announced the launch of AirGuard EIR solution during the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress. 

In the interest of national security, the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) issued a directive that telecom companies must block calls made from handsets which do not have valid and traceable equipment identity numbers or International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) number. Moreover, the Indian government issued directive for installation of equipment identity register (EIR) technology wiithin three-month timeframe.

AirGuard EIR from Airwide Solutions will help operators worldwide control the increasing threat of fraudulent and untraceable mobile phone activity. AirGuard EIR is unique in the industry because it layers the value-added benefit of enhanced anti-fraud capabilities with effective handset anti-theft which enables operators to prevent stolen or fraudulent handsets from working on their network within seconds of detection.

Mark Thong, regional vice president, Airwide Solutions, said: "There is a reason that AirGuard EIR is the world's leading equipment identity eegister, and our experience in some of the most demanding operator environments will be invaluable in helping operators in India quickly comply with the Indian DOT's mandate. Airwide has well over a decade's worth of experience with EIR technology and long term relationships with global channel partners -- together we can streamline the process of helping operators get up and running in compliance with government specifications quickly and seamlessly."

Due to their untraceable nature, phones that are missing or have invalid IMEI's are often used in criminal activities that could threaten national security and place subscribers at risk. AirGuard EIR has been used successfully worldwide to comply with government requirements for the implementation of EIR technology, and to battle handset theft and fraud on operator networks.

In addition, AirGuard EIR has the added benefit of helping operators to deal with the issues of handset theft and mobile fraud.

According to the Communications Fraud Control Association, fraud losses range from $54.4 billion to $60 billion a year, and this cost is in addition to the negative impact fraud can have on the use of new services and the intangible cost of damage to the mobile operator's brand.

By allowing operators to bar phones that are associated with mobile fraud and by detecting SIM and handset cloning, AirGuard EIR can be a powerful tool for operators in fighting fraud potentially threatening activities using an operator's network.

Source: PR Wire