IMEI number
Jewel Gomes, USA
I frequently hear from my relatives, friends, and also read in the newspapers about stealing or mugging of mobile phone sets. As far as I know, every GSM and UMTS mobile phone has the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number unique to the phone. This 15 digit code is usually found printed on the phone underneath the battery and can also be found by dialing the sequence *#06# into the phone. This IMEI number is used by the GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used to stop a stolen phone from accessing the network. For example, if a mobile phone is stolen, the owner can call his or her network provider and instruct them to "ban" the phone using its IMEI number. This renders the phone useless, regardless of whether the phone's SIM has been changed. Therefore, it is recommended that every mobile phone-owner record the IMEI number of his/her phone and keep it. If the phone is stolen, he or she should simply inform the network about this number for making the set useless for others. This way, hopefully, the thieves and muggers will be discouraged and the rate of stealing or mugging of mobile sets will decrease.
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