Indian government hoping to weed out IMEI-less handsets

Nokia has already taken upon itself an initiative to cull the widespread adoption of knockoff handsets (also referred to as Fokias in the underground) in India, but now it seems the nation's government is stepping up to help out. Reportedly, over 25 million Chinese-sourced handsets in India are making / receiving calls without an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number to identify it, and authorities believe these phones enable terrorists to communicate more easily in undetected fashion. Recently, it moved to delay a ban on IMEI-less handsets from January 6, 2009 to March 31, 2009, though it seems as if a special IMEI-loading software could enable those with knockoffs to continue using them lawfully. Way to think green, India.

[Via OnlyGizmos, thanks Annkur]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 4:16AM]

Nice move Indian government!Damn terrorism!
I am from India and I love Engadget and America.
Btw,no one has payed me to say that.These are my heartfelt comments.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 10:04AM]

Adding an IMEI might mean paying the IPR to the GSM patent holders.

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[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2009 7:08AM]

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[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2009 6:48AM]

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