Daily Times

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has introduced Mobile Device Identification Registration and Blocking Regulations, noting that mobile communication services shall be provided to compliant mobile devices only by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

The compliant mobile devices are the devices with valid IMEIs assigned by Global System Mobile Association (GSMA), devices with unique IMEIs, and devices not in the stolen/lost lists and devices type approved or having certification of compliance to Technical Standards for IMEI devices issued by the PTA.

In order to overcome the problems of counterfeit devices and their repercussions, the PTA has established a service called Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) which is capable of identification, registration and blocking of non-compliant SIM based mobile device.

The PTA said that the new Regulations shall apply to all Mobile Communications Service Licensee(s), Type Approval Holders; Authorized Distributors and OEM/ODM for registration and maintenance of accurate data of mobile device(s) and IMEI(s), to ensure the sale, purchase and provision of mobile communication service(s) to Compliant Mobile Device(s) only, through DIRBS System in accordance with the procedure(s) provided in the Regulations.

Mobile devices reported as stolen, blocked or bearing duplicate or non-standard IMEI shall be blocked by MNO(s) from use in Pakistan as per the SOP issued by the Authority from time to time.

The DIRBS System shall be capable to support verification of IMEIs by subscribers, to register IMEI paired exceptions, to import data from MNOs, GSMA device database, Authorized Distributors, Type Approval Holders, and list of duplicate and stolen mobile device(s).

The DIRBS system shall generate black list, exceptions list and notification list which will be forwarded to the MNOs for implementation on their network(s) for blocking and unblocking of mobile devices and intimation to the subscribers wherever required.

All devices whose IMEIs are included in the latest black list will be denied mobile communication service by the MNO, said the PTA.

IMEIs on a notification list will be provided along with the subscription they were observed with, so that the relevant MNOs may communicate with such devices and help resolve the issues. If the issues with a device remain unresolved for a period specified by Authority, its IMEI will be sent to the blacklist.

Subscriber(s)/Consumer may report their lost/stolen Mobile Devices for blocking on the designated helpline of MNO(s) and PTA respectively.

In order to ensure compliance of these Regulations, the PTA may through its authorized officer(s) inspect the premises and records maintained by the Type Approval Holders/ OEM(s)/ODM/Authorized Distributors and MNO (s) for the mobile devices already type approved and having certification of compliance to technical standards for such devices issued by the Authority at anytime at their customer services outlets or registered and authorized agents for inspection as and when required by the authority.

Published in Daily Times, September 13^th 2017.