Phones with No or Fake IMEI Code to Die

"If you're still using that Chinese phone sans an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number - or worse, a fake IMEI code - expect your phone to become a brick Dec. 1 onwards.

After sufficient time given by the government to telecom service providers to get subscribers to legalize their handsets by acquiring a genuine IMEI number, it's time for headcounts and headshots.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has instructed Indian telecom operators to disconnect connections of handsets with fake or no IMEI numbers.

To check whether your phone has an IMEI number:
1. Dial *#06#A 15-digit number will be displayed on your handset.

2. To validate the IMEI, sms IMEI <15> to 53232 (Rs. 3 per SMS)For eg; IMEI 351869910223340 to 53232

Message displayed for correct IMEI - Success!!
Message displayed for incorrect IMEI - Alert!!! Invalid IMEI

3. In case of an invalid IMEI, you can either buy a handset with a genuine IMEI number or can follow the below mentioned instructions:

• Visit only authorized GII (Genuine IMEI Implant) centers, set up on Government approved process, which can implant new genuine IMEI on the handset.
• Pay a nominal charge of Rs. 199 (all inclusive) and obtain a receipt.
• Carry your handset with a valid identity proof for identification purposes while visiting these centers.

The DoT has asked operators to submit their compliance report by Dec. 15.