IMEI causes confusion

With the government ban on illegal cell phones coming into effect from December 1, cell phone stores had to face large crowds of people trying to reinstall the 15 digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number in their unbranded cell phones.

Retailers at Heera Panna said their monthly turn over used to be between Rs 6-7 lakhs, but with the new rule, it will reduce by almost Rs 60,000.

"Earlier, we used to suggest buyers opt for Chinese mobiles, but now we don't stock them anymore," said one retailer.

Neha Prashar (21) who stood for 3 hours outside a mobile store in Thane to get her IMEI number reinstalled said, "I have two Chinese mobile phones.
u00a0
Mobile stores have set up a stall where we can get new IMEI number by paying Rs 199."

With confused customers crowding stores, store owners made big bucks.

Pankaj Mahindroo, president, Indian Cellular Association said, "It was necessary to implement the rule. This move will help customers enjoy genuine products."

He added that more than 24 million phone connections are affected so far.

The government had set June 30 as the deadline for the mobile industry to comply with IMEI rules, but it was further extended to November 30 after a request from the industry.