BTRC to block ‘illegal’ handsets from today

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is going to block illegal and counterfeit mobile handsets in the networks from today.

The BTRC launched the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on July 1 aiming at ensuring receiving/delivering different government services by registering the handsets tagging with National Identity (NID) cards and registered SIM, increasing revenue collection by stopping use of illegally produced/imported mobile phones, preventing stealing and illegal use of mobile phones and helping the law enforcement agencies for the interest of the national security, said a press release on Thursday.

“Connections of all the illegal handsets added to the network will be forced out of the network from October 1,” it added.

Customers have been urged to buy any new handset after verifying it by typing “KYD15 digit IMEI number” and sending the message to 16002 while a reply SMS will confirm the legitimacy of the handset, the release said.

The people who procured or bought handsets from abroad legally or got as gifts have been urged to register their handsets by visiting the website neir.btrc.gov.bd before using those, it said.

The BTRC also urged the importers/local manufacturers of handsets not to import or produce illegal handsets and the sellers urged not to sell illegal mobile phones.

Noting that if anyone sells illegal handsets, s/he has to refund the price of the handset as per the customer’s claim, the telecom watchdog said, adding legal actions will be taken against the traders and manufacturers of illegal handsets.