DHAKA, Sept 30, 2021 (BSS) - Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory 
Commission (BTRC) is going to block illegal and counterfeit mobile handsets 
in the networks from tomorrow. 

   The BTRC launched the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system 
on July 1 aiming at ensuring receiving/delivering different government 
services by registering the handsets tagging with National Identity (NID) 
cards and registered SIM, increasing revenue collection by stopping use of 
illegally produced/imported mobile phones, preventing stealing and illegal 
use of mobile phones and helping the law enforcement agencies for the 
interest of the national security, said a press release here today. 

  "Connections of all the illegal handsets added to the network will be 
forced out of the network from October 1," it added. 

  Customers have been urged to buy any new handset after verifying it by 
typing "KYD15 digit IMEI number" and sending the message to 16002 
while a reply SMS will confirm the legitimacy of the handset, the release 
said.

   The people procured or bought handsets from abroad legally or got as gift 
have been urged to register their handsets by visiting the website 
neir.btrc.gov.bd before using those, it said.

   The BTRC also urged the importers/local manufacturers of handsets not to 
import or produce illegal handsets and the sellers urged not to sell illegal 
mobile phones. 

   Noting that if anyone sells illegal handsets, s/he has to refund the price 
of the handset as per the customer's claim, the telecom watchdog said, adding 
legal actions will be taken against the traders and manufacturers of illegal 
handsets.