IMEI nos still available

 
According to a DoT circular November 30 was the last date for obtaining the new IMEI numbers. However, authorised stores in the City are receiving people in hundreds for the Genuine IMEI Implant (GII) Programme, which intends to eliminate the use of the mobile phones, notoriously of Chinese make, that do not have IMEI numbers.

A store manager at MobileStore, which is also authorised to provide IMEI numbers at some of its outlets, said that people numbering anywhere between 100 and 200 have been thronging their outlets. The numbers are being provided at a cost of Rs 199 at each of these stores. In fact, service providers have also been lax in disconnecting these phone lines, preferring to give some leeway to the customers to obtain the IMEI number. An executive of one of the telecom companies said that they were directing their customers towards agencies to obtain the new IMEI numbers, but so far had not disconnected any of the lines.

Authorised outlets ask for identity and address proof along with a photograph to issue the new number and upgrade the software on the phone. The entire process is completed in less than half an hour.

Meanwhile, the website of Mobile Standards Alliance of India, who in association with the Cellular Operators Association of India, are providing the software to implant the IMEI numbers, declares that the GII programme has closed and has advised people not to implant any more numbers.