Etisalat to block fake mobiles from January 2012

The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), jointly with Etisalat, recently launched the campaign to raise awareness and discourage the use of mobile phones that use a fake (or cloned) International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. An (IMEI) number is a unique 15-digit code on every mobile phone.

As Emirates 24X7 reports, Etisalat will begin stopping functionality of fake illegal handsets from January 1, 2012.

Etisalat has notified customers via SMS message alerting them about their use of fake mobile devices with a fake IMEI number. In order to avoid disconnection of service from January 1, onward, affected customers can replace their fake mobile devices with approved, high quality ones available from Etisalat.

It is not yet clear how Etisalat will determine if a customer is using a fake mobile phone.