IMEI codes for cellular phones launched in Azerbaijan
By Nigar Orujova
The system of IMEI code registration for mobile phones was launched in Azerbaijan on May 1.
IMEI, or the International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique number to identify GSM, UMTS, LTE and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. The IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices and designed for preventing stolen phones or those whose radiation level does not comply with standing regulations from accessing the network.
The IMEI code is used only to identify the device and has no reference to the phone user as the subscriber is identified by the transmission of an International Mobile Subscriber Identity number, which is stored on a SIM card that can be transferred to any handset.
Mobile phone companies and state bodies of Azerbaijan are involved in the project. Control and registration of the cellular phones brought to the country for private use in the networks of the local mobile operators is carried out by the State Customs Committee, while the Communication and Information Technologies Ministry regulates the project.
According to the new regulations, imported mobile phones are to be registered within a month after launching the system. The code registration will be carried out in the service centers of GSM operators.
The new rule will not cover tourists and visitors of the country who are provided with roaming services on their mobile phones.
The IMEI codes database has been created under the project and checking the IMEI codes will become a mandatory procedure during the purchase of mobile phones.
The system will allow receiving information about the mobile phone market including the volume of the market and the number of legal and illegal phones.
The new system is aimed to solve two problems - stolen and illegally imported phones. In case a cellular phone is stolen, its owner may deliver a relevant police certificate and the network provider will blacklist the phone using its IMEI number. Thus, the registration of IMEI codes will help to prevent the use of stolen phones, as well as phones with "broken" IMEI codes.
The problem of illegal import will be solved through the imei.az website where the user may check the IMEI code. Registration of the mobile phones brought to the country for private usage will be free of charge.
The registration system is connected to a single global blacklist of the GSM association, which will help to combat mobile phone theft internationally.
Over 6 million devices imported to Azerbaijan, which has population of more than 9.3 million people, are registered in the database of IMEI codes.
The system consists of three categories in which user devices will be included -- the "white list", "black list" and "grey list".
All the mobile phones which were used in the system before May 1 were included into the "white list". Newly registered phones will also be included in the list.
The "black list" will include unregistered, stolen or illegally imported devices, and their operation in the system will be stopped.
The "grey list" will include the ID numbers of subscriber devices that are not on the "white" or "black" lists, but operate in the mobile network. The list will include new phones used in the system which should be registered within 30 days.