Unregistered Handsets: BTRC blocks 82k phones in two days

The telecom regulator blocked 81,868 new handsets as of Saturday evening from connecting to mobile networks as the devices were not registered with the National Equipment Identity Register.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) started blocking new unregistered phones from Friday morning.

According to BTRC data, 1.45 lakh other handsets got connected to the networks for the first time between Friday morning and Saturday evening.

Owners of unregistered phones trying to connect to the networks get 12 hours to get the phones registered with the BTRC website.

The BTRC registered all the active mobile phones with the NEIR until September 30.

NEIR is the BTRC's database of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique 15-digit number that all mobile phones have, of devices used in Bangladesh.

It was launched on a trial basis on July 1, and on October 1 was rolled out on a full-fledged basis.

According to the BTRC, anyone accessing a cellular networks with a new phone will get a text notifying whether the phone is registered.

Those receiving a text mentioning that the phone is unregistered are advised by the BTRC to go to neir.btrc.gov.bd and register the phone by filling out a form.

Sales receipt of the phone and the passport number of the user among other details will be needed to register a handset, BTRC officials said.

People buying new phones can check whether it is registered by texting KYD (space) 15-digit IMEI to 16002, they added.

The IMEI numbers are printed on the box, and can also be viewed by dialing *#06# on every device.

While traveling to the country from abroad, an individual can bring eight handsets for personal use. Of those, two are allowed without duty.

From this month, anyone selling unregistered handsets to unsuspecting customers must return the money to the buyer or face legal action.