Central Equipment Identity Register

May 15, 2023

In an effort to combat mobile phone theft and enhance user security, the Indian government is introducing the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. Scheduled for a pan-India launch on May 17, this innovative tracking system aims to empower individuals to block and track their lost or stolen mobile phones across the country.

Enhancing Mobile Security with CEIR

The Central Equipment Identity Register, has been developed to address the growing concern of mobile phone theft in India. Its primary objective is to provide a robust platform that enables users to block and track their lost or stolen mobile phones effectively. By implementing this system, the government aims to discourage mobile phone theft and facilitate the tracing of such devices, while also curbing the use of cloned or counterfeit mobile phones.

Pilot Run by Centre for Department of Telematics (CDoT)

The Centre for Department of Telematics (CDoT), a technology development body, has played a crucial role in the implementation of the CEIR system. As part of a pilot program, the system has been tested in various telecom circles, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast region. The successful pilot run has paved the way for the nationwide deployment of the CEIR system.

IMEI Number Disclosure: Preventing Unauthorized Devices

One significant aspect of the CEIR system is the mandatory disclosure of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number before the sale of mobile devices in India. The IMEI number, a unique 15-digit identifier, serves as a crucial parameter in preventing the entry of unauthorized mobile phones onto telecom networks. By maintaining a list of approved IMEI numbers, telecom operators can effectively restrict the usage of unauthenticated devices.

Detecting Cloned Mobile Phones

The CEIR system comes with a built-in capability to identify the utilization of cloned mobile devices across various telecom networks. Cloning involves altering the IMEI number of stolen mobile phones, making them difficult to track and block. However, with the CEIR system’s capabilities, telecom operators can identify and prevent the use of cloned devices on their networks, contributing to improved security and reduced revenue loss.

Successful Implementation and Recovery Efforts

The CEIR system has already shown promising results during its pilot run. The Karnataka Police made use of the system to retrieve and restore more than 2,500 misplaced mobile phones to their legitimate owners. This successful implementation highlights the effectiveness of the CEIR system in assisting law enforcement agencies and ensuring the safe retrieval of stolen devices.

Benefitting Android Mobile Phone Users

While Apple has already established its own tracking system through Apple ID, Android users have faced challenges in tracking and blocking stolen mobile phones. With the introduction of the CEIR system, Android users will now have a reliable mechanism to address these issues. The CEIR system’s ability to track and block stolen mobile phones on the Android platform will greatly enhance user security and discourage theft.

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