Know your IMEI

Today, the TRA launched a new campaign to raise awareness and discourage the use of fake mobile phones in the UAE. Fake mobile handsets can be identified by their IMEI numbers.

Ever wondered what is an IMEI number? In much the same way an individual has his unique finger print, in the world of telecom, every mobile handset or device has its unique identity - International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI. Through IMEI, one can check all known information regarding manufacturer, model type, and country of approval of a handset.

So how does IMEI help me as a mobile user?

Mobile devices, by nature, are susceptible to being lost or misplaced. So what do you do in this situation? Call up your telecom service provider to issue a new SIM card. What about the handset itself? Can it ever be traced and recovered? The answer – theoretically speaking is yes, if you have the IMEI number. The IMEI number is not supposed to be easy to change, and telecom service providers have the wherewithal to block it from being used altogether, whether the SIM is changed or not.

Really? How does it work?

When a phone is switched on, the IMEI number is transmitted and checked against a database in the network's EIR (Equipment Identity Register). The EIR has three categories namely the "white lists", "grey lists" and "black lists". The operator can block a handset by putting it in black list..

Why is the TRA undertaking this initiative?

The reasons are two-pronged, as follows:

a) To ensure mobile devices do not pose a risk on personal health and safety, since fake mobile devices may use sub-standard components and do not necessarily adhere to quality checks and process benchmarks

b) To ensure customers are able make the best of telecom services in a smooth manner

So how do I find out my handset’s IMEI number?

This is easy. All mobile phones are assigned a unique 15 digit IMEI code upon production.

1. The IMEI can be displayed on most mobile handsets by dialing *#06#.
2. Alternately, you may check the compliance plate under the battery.

How do I check my IMEI validity in the UAE?

You may send the IMEI number to 8877 (common for both UAE operators)

If I am a manufacturer or retailer in the UAE, will I be affected?

Article 74 of the UAE Telecommunications Law states: “A person shall be penalised with a fine of not less than AED 50,000 and not more than AED 1,000,000, if that person manufactures, supplies or offers any telecommunications apparatus to be used in the state and does not comply with the regulations.

If I use a fake mobile handset in the UAE, how will I be affected?

Users of fake devices will be imminently contacted by their service providers and all phones that are not type approved will be disconnected from all telecom services, including calls, texts, and internet.