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 when it is used on a mobile phone network. The IMEI must be unique for each device, so there needs to be a way of managing allocations of IMEIs to handset manufacturers to ensure that no two devices use the same IMEI. The GSM Association performs this role, and records all of the IMEIs that are allocated to mobile device manufacturers in the IMEI DB. When reserving IMEIs for a device manufacturer, the GSMA stores some basic information associated with the IMEI. 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, the handset power class, etc.).
The GSMA provides access to the IMEI DB to its members, the mobile network operators across the world, and to qualified industry parties (i.e. manufacturers of device management products). The network operators use the information in the IMEI DB to determine what types of devices are being used by their customers, and what features they support, so that they can offer and support the latest services to these 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. Previously 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 who deploy Equipment Identity Registers (EIR) in their networks use them to keep their own lists of blacklisted lost or stolen phones. Operators’ EIRs automatically connect to the 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 the local EIR, all handsets reported as stolen on other connected networks up to the previous day are now also capable of being blocked on that network.
As GSM and 3G 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. 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 GSM Association 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 Database should contact imeidb@gsm.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.
