20 Million Mobile Phones To Be Cut Off in India

After many extensions by the government of India, on request by the various service providers, from December 1, all the mobile phones without an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number will not be operational. The service providers have no option but to pull the plug on such phones.

The 15 digit IMEI number is very crucial to all handsets. It is a way to track a phone if it is lost or stolen. It is also an important aspect of the mobile phone which allows security agencies and other similar related officials to keep a track on the phone as and when required. India has nearly 20 million such phone users, and they will all be without service from today. Most of these cell phones are manufactured in China. They look flashy, have all the features one can dream about, but with the IMEI number missing, pose a great threat to security. Hence, this step by the government. And it is not something that has happened out of the blue suddenly. Users and service providers have been repeatedly warned by the government that such phones would be discontinued sooner or later. And the only reason the government of India allowed a few extensions for the cut off, was for users to get rid of such handsets and purchase the genuine ones with the IMEI numbers.

This move is a really good one on the government's part, but will put a lot of strain on the service providers as far as customer base is concerned. The service providers have also acted and are now offering customers to get an IMEI number implanted on their phones, all at a cost of just Rs.199 (approximately $4). This is a small price to pay for the affected customers, who otherwise would have to just discard their present handset and buy a new one with an IMEI number. But till then, for millions, the phone will not be ringing for sure as of now.