Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has extended the deadline for implementation of Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) till August 30, 2018. The DIRBS has been developed to identify substandard, fake and illegally imported mobile phones as well as register and block noncompliant devices on mobile phone networks. The PTA launched DIRBS in line with the Telecom Policy-2015 on May 10, 2018. The deadline for Phase-1 of DIRBS was June 29, 2018. It included mapping and identification of IMEIs and blocking of stolen/lost devices.
According to an official, keeping in view the requests of various stakeholders and in the interest of ensuring smooth implementation, the deadline for Phase-1 has been extended from June 29 to August 30, 2018. The Phase-II will start from August 31, 2018. No further extension will be granted thereof. In Phase-II, full blocking will be implemented for all noncompliant devices that are not PTA approved.
This system will curb illegal imports and facilitate legitimate device importers and mobile device users. The DIRBS and its successful implementation will benefit the entire mobile ecosystem of Pakistan. Through Device Verification System (DVS) telecom consumers can verify authenticity of their mobile devices in line with PTA regulations via sending an SMS to 8484 and can check the status of IMEI by logging in www.dirbs.pta.gov.pk or downloading DIRBS android mobile app form Google and Apple play store.
The PTA has established a DIRBS to ensure that non-compliant mobile devices are not imported, sold, marketed or connected with the mobile operators' networks. The move has been taken in order to protect mobile phone users' data across the country.
It will further ensure that mobile licensees actively identify such phones on their networks and maintain and update industry-wide database with information about such phones for the benefit of the mobile services sector worldwide. The regulations are notified under the Telecommunications Policy of 2015 on the type approval regime for telecommunications.
The PTA has established DIRBS and prescribes standard operating procedures (SOPs) for its implementation on technical, management and operational matters. Stolen phones, blocked phones and phones with duplicate or non-standard identifiers shall be blocked by mobile network operator (MNO) from use in Pakistan.
The DIRBS installed has the necessary hardware and software to implement the system for analysis. It will comprise a core analysis system combined with subsystems to support verification of IMEIs by stakeholders, registration of IMEI paired exceptions, and import of various inputs including operator device data dumps, GSMA device database, importer device lists, and stolen device lists. Analysis will be performed to allow for identification and tracking of non-compliant devices in accordance with these regulations.
A device verification system interface will be provided by the PTA to type approval holders and authorized distributors for registration and identification of IMEI displayed on the mobile device to verify whether or not the device is a compliant mobile device issued certification of compliance to technical standards for IMEI devices by the PTA.
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