IMEI database inaugurated
Staff Reporter, Dhaka
Bangladesh Telecommunica-tion Regulatory Commission (BTRC) yesterday introduced international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) database with a view to facilitating customers checking legality of mobile handsets before purchasing.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar inaugurated the database established at BTRC with the support of Bangladesh Mobile Phone Importers Association (BMPIA).
Anyone intending to purchase a device can know the 15-digit IMEI by dialing *#06# from the handset, and then the legality could be checked by sending an SMS with the IMEI to 16002.
Terming the introduction of IMEI database as milestone, Mustafa Jabbar said without technology, it is impossible to tackle fraudulence of handsets. Now, we could generate more revenue which is being lost due to illegal import of handset.
The database will enable the government to know the types of handsets being used in the country and how many are 4G and 3G-enabled and basic phones.
