PTA introduces cellular phone registration and identification system

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has activated its Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) to crack down against counterfeit mobile phone usage and discourage phone theft.

The authority, in a press release, said, “The aim of DIRBS is to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone usage, discourage mobile phones theft and protect consumer interest and in line with Telecom policy 2015, issued by Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom section 9.6, PTA has developed/established a system DIRBS.

“DIRBS is a forward working solution and is designed to cater for no service interruption for all Pakistani cellular mobile service users,” the press release stated.

“After DIRBS implementation on 1st of December 2018, any new mobile device programmed with a non-standard IMEI number will be considered as non-compliant device and shall not be allowed any mobile connectivity/service in Pakistani territory as per PTA/DIRBS regulations.”

Here are some ways you can obtain your mobile device’s IMEI:

Dial *#06# from the dial pad of device and note down each 15-digit IMEI

IMEI is also printed on the device box.

IMEI is printed on the inside of a device and can be viewed by removing the back cover/ battery.

After an IMEI number has been obtained, the DIRBS system will send one of the following three responses to IMEI query as explained below:

Device IMEI is Valid: The IMEI of this mobile device is valid as it is GSMA approved, but it is not PTA approved. To facilitate such users, PTA will auto register all such IMEIs which are observed on Network till 1st December, 2018, their status will be converted to compliant. A user in possession of such devices are advised to insert their local SIM card and do a voice or data activity so such Valid IMEI are observed on Pakistani mobile networks and subsequently listed within DIRBS system so user may continue to avail uninterrupted mobile services on such device(s).

Non-compliant Devices: This is not a PTA approved mobile device as IMEI on the device is either non-standard, duplicated etc. To ensure users of all such devices do not face any connectivity/service issues PTA will auto pair all such IMEIs, which are observed on mobile network till 1st December, 2018, with their mobile number so device shall remain operational till the useful life of device. A user in possession of such devices are advised to insert their local SIM card and do a voice or data activity so such non-compliant IMEI are observed on Pakistani mobile networks and subsequently listed within DIRBS system so user may continue to avail uninterrupted mobile services on such device(s).

Blocked devices: The IMEI is reported as stolen and not allowed for usage/services

 

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