The GSMA maintains a unique system known as the IMEI Database (IMEI DB), which is a global central database containing basic information on serial number (IMEI) ranges of millions of mobile devices (e.g. mobile phones, laptop data cards, etc.) that are in use across the world’s mobile networks. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that is used to identify the device on a mobile networks. There is a regulatory requirement for each mobile device to have a unique identifier and the International Mobile station Equipment Identity IMEI is used for that purpose. The GSM Association allocate IMEI number ranges to all manufacturers of 3GPP compliant devices to ensure that no two devices use the same IMEI, and it records all of the IMEIs that are allocated to mobile device manufacturers in the IMEI DB. When allocating IMEIs to a device manufacturer, the GSMA stores some basic information about the device. This information includes the manufacturer name and the model identifier of the associated handset and some of its technical capabilities (e.g. frequency bands supported by the handset, etc.).
The GSMA provides access to the IMEI DB and its data to GSMA member mobile networks operators across the world, and to qualified industry parties (i.e. manufacturers of device management products and regulatory authorities). The network operators use the information in the IMEI DB to determine what types of devices are being used by their customers on their networks, and what features the devices support, so they can offer the latest services to their customers through their networks.
The IMEI DB also supports what is known as a “black list”. The black list is a list of IMEIs that are associated with mobile devices that should be denied service on mobile networks because they have been reported as lost, stolen, faulty or otherwise unsuitable for use. This is known as the Central Equipment Identify Register (CEIR), the IMEI DB acts as a central system for network operators to share their individual black lists so that devices denied service (blacklisted) by one network will not work on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.
Network operators that deploy Equipment Identity Registers (EIR) in their networks use them to keep their own lists of black listed devices. Operators’ EIRs can connect to the GSMA IMEI DB to share their latest lists of blacklisted devices with other operators. The IMEI DB takes the black lists from the various operators around the world that are connected to system and it compiles the data into one global black list. When a network operator EIR subsequently connects to the IMEI DB, it downloads the latest global black list (or a national or regional subset of the global list) for its own use. By loading the IMEI DB black list onto their local EIRs, all handsets reported as lost or stolen on other connected networks are now also capable of being blocked on the other networks.
As GSM, 3G & LTE devices have become more sophisticated and more expensive, they are also unfortunately more attractive to thieves recent years have seen an increased need for the IMEI DB to be used as a tool to combat handset theft by ensuring the identities of stolen devices can be shared across networks around the world. Many mobile network operators have responded to the problem of handset theft by deploying EIRs in their networks and connecting them to the IMEI DB. The engagement of governments and law enforcement agencies with the network operator community continues in a number of markets where handset theft is perceived to be a problem and the GSMA strongly encourages use of the IMEI DB as a platform to exchange stolen handset data and it welcomes all of its members to connect to the system. GSMA member companies that wish to request access to the IMEI DB should contact firstname.lastname@example.org
Mobile phone users whose devices have been stolen should note that GSMA does not add device IMEIs to the IMEI DB blacklist or otherwise assist with incidents of device theft. Device theft should be reported to the user’s service provider and to the police. For more advice on how to reduce the chances of your device being stolen, and what to do if your device is stolen, click here.