Technology
MEI Number: What NCC is planning to do with your phone ID
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all phone users are to submit their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) to the Commission from now to July, 2021, meanwhile, many Nigerians are not sure what the motive behind this directive is.
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The IMEI Number is a 15-digit number unique to each phone. With an IMEI number, a phone can be tracked and located irrespective of which mobile number it is.
According to the document disclosed, all MEI Number which has been reported as stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the service providers and registered phone repairers in the country.
It stated, “The purpose is to ensure that such devices do not work even if different SIM Cards are inserted in those devices. DMS will also provide access to all operators to cross-check the IMEIs and their status before allowing a device to become active on their network.
Furthermore, registered mobile phone technicians will also be provided with an interface to check IMEIs and ensure it has not been reported as stolen or illegal before they render their technical services.
To achieve this, the NCC would be responsible for the implementation and management of the DMS to achieve the policy objectives. Accordingly, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has directed that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.”
What NCC is saying?
The NCC said, “With the aim to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, enhance National Security, protect consumer interest, increase revenue generation for the government, reduce the rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices, one of the means to achieve this is through the deployment of Device Management System.”
