Below, get insights from leading industry experts that form the Mobile IoT Expert panel. Questions are submitted by members of the GSMA Mobile IoT Innovators. To submit your own question, join the community for free here and find out more about the panel here.
How do I get a TAC/IMEI for my Mobile IoT device?
Barbara Pareglio, IoT Technology Director, GSMA
The TAC (Type Allocation Code) identifies the model, brand, manufacturer and a number of other core device attributes. The TAC forms the first 8 digits of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), which is a 15-digit number that is unique for each device and is used to identify a device on a mobile network.
The process for obtaining a TAC/IMEI for your Mobile IoT device is simple:
- The module manufacturer applies for the TAC
- The module manufacturer creates the IMEI using that TAC and registers the IMEI with the GSMA
- The module manufacturer provides the IMEI to the IoT device maker – you can find each unique IMEI on the cellular modules
- The IoT device maker then gives the IMEI to the mobile operator to check these have been duly registered in the GSMA IMEI database
Click here for the GSMA IMEI website and database.