BTRC blocks nearly 82,000 unregistered mobile phones in 2 days

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) blocked 81,868 new handsets from connecting to mobile networks between Friday morning and Saturday evening because they were not registered with the National Equipment Identity Register.

Another 145,000 other handsets were connected to networks for the first time over the two days, according to BTRC data quoted by the Daily Star.

Owners of unregistered phones who are attempting to connect to networks have 12 hours to register their phones with the BTRC website.

The BTRC had registered all active mobile phones with NEIR until September 30.

NEIR is the BTRC's database of devices used in Bangladesh that have an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique 15-digit number that all mobile phones have.

Also Read - No unregistered mobile phones from Friday

It was launched on a trial basis on July 1, and fully rolled out on October 1.

According to the BTRC, everyone using a cellular network with a new phone will receive a text message indicating whether or not the phone has been registered.

The BTRC advises those who receive a text message stating that their phone is unregistered to go to neir.btrc.gov.bd and fill out a form to register the phone.

The phone's sales receipt, as well as the user's passport number and other information, will be required to register a cellphone, according to BTRC authorities.

People buying new phones can see if they are registered by texting KYD (space) 15-digit IMEI to 16002, they added.

The IMEI numbers are printed on the package and may be viewed on any smartphone by dialing *#06#.

An individual traveling to the country from abroad is allowed to bring up to eight handsets for personal use. Two of them are allowed without duty.

Anyone selling unregistered handsets to unsuspecting buyers must return the money to the buyer or face legal action starting this month.