How to understand your mobile official or unofficial

BTRC is going to implement technology to stop illegal and fake mobile handsets from next April.

Once the technology is introduced, it will not be possible to keep the invalid handsets in the hands of the customer. No other operator's SIM will work. The regulatory body is going to implement this initiative taken in 2012 after about eight years.

BTRC had already been warning buyers about buying mobile handsets. Before buying a mobile handset the validity of the set should be verified through IMEI. Handset purchase receipt should be obtained from the seller.

• What is IMEI number?

IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity is a 15-digit number that is programmed into a mobile handset when it is manufactured.

This number basically carries the identity of the mobile handset. This number identifies the region in which the phone can be used and the factory in which it is manufactured.

This IMEI number is usually used to locate the handset if it is lost or stolen.

Apart from this, when buying a new phone, it can be known through the IMEI number of that phone, whether the phone has ever been used before.

Changing the IMEI number risks compromising personal security as well as the security of financial transactions.

• How to verify original handset

The method to verify the validity of the mobile phone is to go to the message option of the mobile phone and write the KYD space 15 digit IMEI number and send it to 16002.

The IMEI of the respective handset can be known instantly from the printed sticker on the mobile phone packet or by dialing *#06#.

IMEI number is different for every phone. With this specific number it is possible to identify the location of a specific mobile in the mobile network.