TRAI may block IMEI of stolen phones

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The telecom regulator, TRAI, has come up with a consultation paper that could help it initiate framework to block IMEI of broken, lost or stolen mobile handsets. The new guidelines are expected to be announced in December 2012.

TRAI in its consultation paper said this initiative is to curtail the illegal handset market, discourage thefts and protect consumer interests. The authority had earlier introduced a similar paper in 2004, but unfortunately, the service providers didn't have requisite capabilities.

When implemented, this new regulation would effectively keep a check on the illegally operated cellphones. "The authority will bring out recommendations after the feedback on the consultation paper. This will help TRAI to stop lost or stolen phones from re-activation," said a senior DoT official.

The regulator also stressed that whenever the lost or stolen handset is recovered by the subscriber, a facility can be extended to him to unblock the IMEI number within certain period from the date on which his IMEI is blocked.