The Indian government has notified the customs department that import of mobile handsets is to be allowed only after declaration of the phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

The IMEI number is used by GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks to identify mobile devices. It is used by operators to block a stolen phone from using the network.

To read this IDG report in full, see www.networkworld.com/news/2008/122308-indian-government-cracks-down-on.html or www.pcworld.com/article/155946/.html.