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The Indian cellular Association (ICA) has called for a ban on cloned International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) numbers, from November 30th 2009, stating that they pose a danger to national security. ICA has also appealed the Indian government not to provide services to such handsets. So, all the Chinese mobiles which do not have genuine IMEI number are going to forfeited of services by their network provider.

What is an IMEI number ?

The International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) is a 15-digit code assigned to a mobile handset. It helps to identify a stolen handset and also helps the security agencies to track the users. No two mobile phones have same IMEI number, since it’s a unique number.

How To Check Your Mobile Phone’s IMEI Validity

For this you just have to follow some simple steps provided below.

1. On your mobile’s home screen, type in the following code ” *#06# ” (Without quotes). Otherwise check the compliance plate under the battery.

2. Type an SMS “IMEI {followed by your} (15 digit IMEI No.) and send it to 53232.
For example, type IMEI 123456789012345 and send it to 53232. and Rs.3/- charge for each SMS.
‘Success’, is displayed, if your IMEI number is Valid.
‘Invalid IMEI’, is displayed for incorrect IMEI.

3. You can also check your IMEI number validity online. For that, you have to go to those sites that provide this facility and put your IMEI number in the given box. Within few minutes after verifying, you will be intimated whether your IMEI number is legitimate or not.

How To Get New IMEI Number for your Mobile phone

Incase you found an invalid IMEI Number on your handset, no need to worry. You can get a new IMEI number for your mobile.

• Visit only the authorized GII (Genuine IMEI implant) centre’s setup on Govt. approved process, which can implant new geniune IMEI on handset.

• You need to carry ID proof. (Ex: Voter ID Card, Drivers Licences, etc). Your photograph will be captured at the authorized GII service centre.

• Pay a nominal charge of Rs 199 (all inclusive) and obtain a authentic IMEI number.

This genuine IMEI implant is recognized by network operators so ‘no barring’ of services.

ICA said that there is a huge market of unbranded phones in the country, which has emerged as a challenge to the mobile handset manufacturers as well as government for the security challenges posed by them. ICA has also reported that many a times, genuine IMEI numbers are copied and given to illegal handsets. So, please check your IMEI number now in order to ensure your mobile services as well as to consolidate the security process of your country.