Mobilestores,
Good of you to join the discussion.
Please refer:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/12/stories/2009091251980100.htm
http://www.domain-b.com/industry/telecom/20090916_mobile_handsets.html>
http://www.domain-b.com/i...
You will be surprised to that there are many mobiles especially the i9 phones which still are imported even today without valid imei number.
Try checking the IMEI number of your i9 phones by the method mentioned on the site :
To validate the IMEI, sms IMEI <15 digit IMEI number> to 53232 (Rs. 3 per SMS)
For eg; IMEI 351869910223340 to 53232
* Message displayed for correct IMEI - Success!!
* Message displayed for incorrect IMEI - Alert!!! Invalid IMEI
You will be in for a surprise.
Getting an IMEI number implanted by GII is simple and costs only Rs.199/-
However getting a IMEI number block allocation for a manufacturer is not a simple process.
This may prove interesting reading for you:
GSM Manufacturers
Manufacturers must register with the GSM Association before applying for an IMEI allocation. The on-line registration form requests detailed information be provided about the manufacturer. An IMEI allocation will not be provided unless all mandatory fields (*) in the on-line form are completed to support the application.
Only Manufacturers or their authorized representative, covered under the following definition, are eligible to obtain IMEI block allocations. A letter of authorization for such representatives should be provided to MSAI prior to the application.
Manufacturer: A manufacturer is defined as the legal entity that is responsible for designing and/or manufacturing a mobile terminal complying with the standards of GSM or IMT2000 with a view to placing it on the market on his own behalf. The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure that the product intended to be placed on the market is designed and manufactured, and its conformity assessed, to comply with the provisions of the applicable regulations. The manufacturer must retain the overall control of the production of the device and maintain the necessary level of competence to take the responsibility for placing the product on the market regardless of the extent to which aspects of the manufacturing process have been undertaken by third parties.
Most Chinese factories manufacturing the i9 phones are least bothered about getting IMEI number allocation as the biggest market the US and Europe does not require it.
The US regulation for IMEI number is not in place. I belive in the US you can buy a disposable mobile phone without any POI and POA. Do not make assumptions. I have personally bought a mobile phone sim card in Hong Kong and China without giving any identification papers.
I think the only country currently which does not allow mobiles phones on their networks without valid IMEI numbers is currently Brazil and India will soon be the next.
Most Chinese mobiles of brands such as Sigmatel, Alfatel, BLepone, G'Five do have genuine IMEI numbers but unbranded and copy phones like the i9, the situation is very dicey.
I have checked IMEI numbers of many i9 on the international numbering plans website and could not get the name of the manufacturer or model number for it, except the Sciphone i68+ which shows up as the CECT i68+
When I post such messages on the board, it is after a lot of study and research and yes I have indeed visited some factories which manufacture these so called i9 phones.
--------------
Pareshwins
