Chinese Mobile Handsets are a Security Risk – DON'T USE THEM!

Chinese phones have flooded the Indian market in the recent past.  But they are a security risk!  Around 250 lakh handsets will stop working by April 15.

These phones do not have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers.   This IMEI number gets reflected at cell phone towers with which, if required, the location of a mobile phone user can be tracked.  The Chinese handsets do not have any IMEI number and sometimes multiple sets share one IMEI number.  A proper and legal IMEI #s are 15-17 digits long and are unique in nature, but the Chinese phones either show up as a string of Zeros or cloned IMEI numbers.  It is because these phones are cloned during manufacturing at the unbranded Chinese mobile phone makers.

Do you want to see your IMEI #?  Press *#06# on your mobile and it shows up on your screen.

The phones constantly keep in touch with the nearest towers and even when they are not in use.  The Security Agencies use Triangulation method to track down culprits through their cell phones.

The Jehadi terrorists are now using the Chinese cell phones and easily getting lost in the crowd.  If, on the other hand, they were using a legitimate Cell phone, it would be possible to pin-point them and correct part of the city could be cordoned off instead of a city wide alert!

All mobile phone service providers have been asked by Department of Telecom (DoT) to disconnect these instruments latest by April 30.  These days 700-800k handsets are coming over into India half of what it was before its ban!