Bangladesh Sets January 1 Launch for NEIR, but Cloned Phones May Escape Initial Crackdown
Bangladesh is preparing to introduce its National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on January 1 to curb the use and trade of illegal and stolen mobile phones. However, the initial phase will not be able to block all handsets operating with duplicated International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, according to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The decision to introduce the system was taken at a recent BTRC commission meeting following a recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The regulator had previously conducted a pilot initiative in 2021, but the latest move aims to bring the system into formal operation.
Under the first phase, the NEIR system will focus on identifying unauthorized handsets and restricting their use and sale. However, the commission has acknowledged that tackling cloned devices, including phones using the same IMEI number, will remain a challenge at this stage.
According to the minutes of the commission meeting, a more comprehensive solution is expected in the second phase, when a facility for deregistering mobile phones will be introduced. The feature is intended to help identify the legitimate owners of handsets and update ownership records when devices change hands. No implementation date has yet been set for this phase.
Existing phones connected to mobile networks have already been incorporated into the NEIR database automatically, according to the BTRC. Importers have also been given an opportunity to submit the required information, including IMEI numbers, for unsold handsets in their inventories.
The regulator is planning at least two months of public awareness campaigns before the new system takes effect. The campaign is intended to inform consumers and mobile phone businesses about the changes and the steps required under the registration framework.
Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the prime minister on telecommunications and information technology, told the media that the government intends to stop the circulation and use of illegal mobile phones but will not rush the implementation process.
He said the authorities would consult relevant stakeholders to develop an effective solution and avoid a repeat of earlier attempts that failed to achieve their intended goals.
Asad added that the interests of mobile phone businesses, entrepreneurs, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the government and consumers would be taken into account as the NEIR system is implemented.
