TRAI announced Ban on Usage of non-IMEI Phones From 1 Dec. – TRAI (Telephone Regulatory Authority of India) had announced execution of ban on usage of non-IMEI phones from 1 December. Still, as hundreds or thousands of people flock to mobile phone sellers to purchase phones with valid international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers, few illegal phones in Nagpur were taken off the networks by service providers.
While speaking to Times of India on Monday, Mr. Vicky Khubnani, who runs a mobile phone shop at West High Court road stated that, “We have already received word that some mobile phones without IMEI numbers have started reporting that SIM cards in them are not valid. Also, in some cases, mobile service providers themselves have sent text messages to customers saying outgoing and incoming calls would be barred because they are using a phone without invalid IMEI numbers.” In addition he commenced by saying, “In fact, there is an interesting thing observed by those with such mobile phones, who have had their SIMs barred. If the same SIM card is put into another phone, one with a legitimate IMEI number, all calls and messaging services are instantly restored!”
Although, due to the implementation of new rule, those who have taken a hit and those who are about to hit are not entertained a lot. Just 3 months ago, Sushil Wankhede had purchased a mobile phone and he had imagined that Rs. 5,000 he had paid for it was a steal. He bemoaned that, “How was I to know that it would all come down to this situation? I am a student and would have gladly bought a proper phone with the money, even if it had meant that I would have had fewer features! Now, my current phone is useless and I have to ask my parents for at least another Rs 2,000 to buy a basic phone. ”
In the mean time, mobile shops are having fun and entertainment because a lot of people are moving fast to them at the last moment to purchase new mobile phones. Mr. Naresh Mohakure, who possess an electronic shop at Hingna Road told, “What is adding to our gains is the fact that people who have been using the cheaper mobiles have got used to their features. Now, when they go in for branded phones with similar features, it costs them much more. Those who cannot afford them may go back disappointed, but those who can afford them buy costlier phones, and we are the ones who reap the benefits!”
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