There is alot of Halla Gulla happening over IMEI number and the phones that don’t have it especially after the threatening message that all such phone owners have received that they're phones would go dead soon. Well, it’s a cause for worry but there is some solace. Phone owners can get an IMEI number embedded in their phones from their mobile service operator for a charge of Rs. 199.
What is an IMEI number?
Before we start whining about what the government is doing and why is it after all the phone user’s to ruin their peace instead of concentrating on more meaningful things, we should understand the reason behind such a move.
Firstly, an IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that is embedded in your phone and cannot be changed at any cost. Every phone manufactured has or rather should have it as it enables one to identify a mobile. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number allows security agencies to track down the mobile in case of suspicion or robbery.
If you're wondering how this is done then heres an explanation. When a person makes a call, he basically passes through 3 gateways. The first and the most important is the IMEI number. The IMEI number uniquely identifies the phone that the user is making the call from. In case of phones that do not have an IMEI number especially the cheaply available Chinese phones, 0’s are used. Thus when a call is made from such a phone the IMEI number registered is simply 0000...(15 times).
The 2nd is the SIM card number. This number changes either when we change our operator or we change the plan without changing the operator.
The 3rd gateway is the tower which routes the call. This changes as we change our location. FYI the Delhi police investigation revealed that the bombers of the Delhi bomb blasts made calls from the bomb site few minutes before the bomb blasted. Thanks to the tower that routed the call.
Since it’s evident that it’s only the IMEI number that’s fixed, it plays a very important role in tracking down the movements of a phone especially from a security point of view.
How to check your IMEI number?
All phone models are different. Right from the functions, the key combination to lock/unlock the keypad, everything is different. Even the chargers are not spared. However, we should be happy that atleast the procedure to check the IMEI number is the same no matter which brand or model with the exception of the iPhone.
To check the IMEI number simply dial the number *#06#. On dialling this number your IMEI number will be displayed. This number is very important and should be recorded and kept someplace safe as in case of theft it can be registered with the police.
In case of the iPhone the IMEI number can be located either by accessing the ‘About’ icon or by using the iTunes software which would display the number.
In case this doesn't do it, then simply Google ‘IMEI number+mobile handset model’. This will give you the procedure specific to your phone.
What to do?
With the government’s directive, it is expected that around 25 million phones are going to die. If you have a Chinese phone then there's no reason to panic. Why? Simply because more than you your mobile operator doesn't want to loose you. So just make your way to your mobile operator’s gallery and inform him of the same. He will do the needful for a fee of Rs.199/-.
It’s not that the government hates Chinese phones and the people who use them; it simply hates the phones that do not have an IMEI number. In the interest of national security, all of us have to bear a few hardships.
This incident however makes me think. You get all the top class features for a real cheap price where the Chinese mobiles are concerned. Yet you don’t get something that’s really important. All that glitters is not gold. I’m sure all such phone owners may be saying “Sasta pad gaya mehenga”.
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