PTA Reveals More Details About Using Imported Phones in Pakistan
Posted by AMIN YUSUFZAI
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), on Tuesday, notified to block all unregistered mobile phones by December 31st that are not PTA verified. The deadline for registering these phones is December 1st.
As per the notice, non-compliant mobile devices (having SIM/IMEI functionality) that are active on Pakistani mobile networks till 1st December, will remain operational without service interruption. Non-compliant mobile devices will be paired with a user’s mobile number.
To check the status of your mobile device, dial *#06# from the dialer of the mobile device, which will show you the 15 digit IMEI number (dual SIM phones have two IMEI numbers), send the 15 digit IMEI number via SMS to short code 8484.
What is an IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity; a unique number per mobile device (phone, tablet, dongle, router, etc.) that uses a SIM card.
Buying a Phone Overseas for Personal Use
You are allowed to bring a single phone from overseas according to the new PTA regulations. The phone can be registered normally and will work for the next few years without any issues. However, if you wish to bring more phones, you are only allowed to bring 5 per year.
PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System’s (DIRBS) objective is to ensure healthy growth of the mobile device ecosystem in Pakistan. DIRBS will ensure use of legal devices on the mobile networks. The import, use, and growth of legal devices will improve the quality of mobile service to consumers, preserve network resources of the mobile operators, provide better security and ensure the protection of intellectual property rights.
PTA will make sure that only type approved and legal devices are operational over mobile networks in the country.
On the other hand, the mobile phones that have been brought in from abroad can also be used after registration and in this regard, for facilitation of overseas and foreigners, PTA has arranged registration cells at airports.
Moreover, experts say that the registration of mobile phones would not only help regulate the mobile phone industry but additional revenue of billions of rupees will also be collected.
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