Handsets without IMEI are a security threat and cannot be tracked down

 Security agencies have been demanding the ban on mobile phones without the 15-digit IMEI number in view of the increased threat perception. For, it is difficult to track down such handsets. It was revealed that terrorists behind attacks were using mobile phones without IMEI numbers.

 The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a number unique to every GSM and WCDMA and iDEN mobile phone, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. The IMEI number prevents the use of stolen handsets for making calls.

 To help those subscribers having handsets without the IMEI number, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing GSM operators, has developed software that will provide unique numbers for all such handsets.