The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Communications, has kickstarted the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for mobile service providers. This follows the resolve of the National Telecom Policy established in 2012. The register addresses the increasing issues of security breaches, theft, and device reprogramming that threatens the mobile handset industry.
Understanding the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)
CEIR serves as a central depositary or database of all mobile phones connected to networks across the nation. The register is designed as such that every mobile network provider in India maintains its own Equipment Identity Register (EIR), a database of all phones connected to its network. These EIRs subsequently share information with the single central database – CEIR.
CEIR gathers information about the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, model version, and more.
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
Every mobile phone or mobile broadband device is assigned a unique 15-digit IMEI number, which effectively identifies the device. Mobile manufacturers allocate IMEI numbers to each device based on ranges designated to them by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association. Consequently, dual SIM phones are characterized by their two unique IMEI numbers.
The Objectives of CEIR
The primary goal of creating centralized databases like CEIR is to identify and block stolen or illegal mobile phones across different networks. At present, when a customer reports a stolen mobile phone, service providers can blacklist the IMEI of the said phone in their EIRs, preventing the device from accessing their network.
However, this doesn’t deter the continued use of the phone should the SIM be changed to a new network. With CEIR, all network operators will instantly know if a phone’s IMEI has been blacklisted. The CEIR also works with GSMA’s database of IMEI numbers to verify the authenticity of a phone.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| CEIR | A central depository or database of all devices connected across different networks in India. |
| IMEI | A 15-digit code that uniquely identifies every mobile phone or broadband device. |
| EIR | A database maintained by each network provider, cataloguing devices connected to its network. |
| GSMA | An association that allocates IMEI number ranges to mobile manufacturers. |
Concerns about CEIR
While CEIR represents a commendable step towards enhanced device security, it raises some concerns. One major issue is the identification of the authority responsible for maintaining such a valuable database. The question arises whether this task should be managed by the service provider or a neutral third party.
Another pivotal concern is the risk of cloned or reprogrammed stolen phones. Unauthorized parties may attach existing genuine IMEI numbers to these devices. If such cloned IMEI numbers are blocked, it could resultantly block authentic ones as well, causing significant inconveniences.