IMEI FAQ's
| Questions | Answers |
| How do I apply for an IMEI number for my product? | With the IMEI database, you can now apply for IMEI allocations online. Click Here You will need an ID number to apply for an IMEI allocation. To obtain this you need to register your company on the database. Please make your application online. |
| I have stated the brand name in my TAC application. Why has my application been held? | Where the brand name is different to the applicant company name, both the Brand Name and the Model Name should be entered into the “Marketing Name” field. Please amend the application. |
| Why can’t I apply to BABT for products with CDMA2000 band only? | Under an agreement with the GSM Association, we cannot accept products that operate only on CDMA2000 band only. These products are dealt with only by the TIA (meidadmin@tiaonline.org) also under agreement with the GSM Association. Please apply to the TIA. |
| I applied for a TAC number several days ago, but I have not yet received a response. | You should have received email notification automatically. Is it possible that your email security has filtered it out as spam? |
| What is the policy for assigning IMEI numbers to dual SIM phones? | If each SIM is associated with its own transceiver, then each chipset/SIM combination should have its own associated IMEI number, ie, a dual SIM phone should have 2 IMEI numbers; a three SIM phone should have 3 IMEI numbers, etc.
If each transceiver is identical, then they can share the same TAC number, but must have different IMEI numbers.
If the transceivers are different (eg. they operate on different bands), then a different TAC number and a separate TAC application is required for each chipset/SIM combination.
To avoid confusion, when you make your applications, it would be appreciated if you would send an email notifying BABT that you are dealing with a dual SIM phone and you are making 2 TAC applications for the same model. |
| How do I calculate the 15th digit of the IMEI? | The Check Digit is a calculated function of all the other digits of the IMEI. You will need GSM Association Permanent Reference Document: DG.06 "IMEI Allocation and Approval Guidelines" for a description. This is an unrestricted document and you can download it and others from the GSM World website: www.gsmworld.com/documents/index.shtml
DG.06 refers you to the necessary documentation for calculation (You will see that the Check Digit is calculated by a method called the Luhn formula. The method is described in specification GSM 02.16 / 3GPP 22.016). DG.06 advises that the Check Digit is not transmitted to the network (always "0"). It also states the importance of presentation, both electronically and in printed form on the label and packaging. |
| I have been allocated a TAC number for a single product. One TAC number allows me to assign 1 million IMEI numbers, but we are only producing 10 000 units of this product. Can I use the remaining IMEI numbers in other products? | You can use the remainder of the IMEI allocation if the new phone can be considered as a cosmetic variant (e.g. different colour, name etc) of the phone allocated with the TAC. If the new phone has a different transceiver or different bands, then a new TAC will be required. |
| Why can I not see my TAC allocations online? | It is not possible to check IMEI allocations on the internet. All IMEI allocations are stored in the GSM Association's IMEI database which is used to populate the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). BABT IMEI allocations are entered into the database at the time of allocation. They are subsequently imported into network operators' Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs).
The IMEI database is confidential between the allocating bodies, the GSM Association and its members (network operators) and regulators. So the IMEI allocation data is not provided to any web site and you cannot check whether an IMEI is valid over the internet.
The only information you receive about your allocation is the e-mail advising you of the allocation. The e-mail is automatically generated by the IMEI database server with the allocation details contained in the database. |
| I have found my TAC number on a website that lists IMEI numbers, but the information is incorrect or is not listed. What has gone wrong? | These websites have no formal connection with BABT, the GSM Association or the IMEI database. The IMEI database is the only official record of allocated TAC. Network Operators and Government Regulators only access the data stored in the IMEI database. BABT have found many instances where the information on web sites is wrong. |
| Can I obtain the data stored in the IMEI database? | This information is confidential and cannot be released. However, please see Question directly below. |
| Can I obtain the data stored in the IMEI database if I am a member of the GSM Association? | Access to IMEI allocation records through the GSMA's Infocentre is available to full members of the GSM Association. Full membership is open to licensed 2G and 3GSM mobile network operators committed to implementing the GSM family of technologies (GSM, GPRS, EDGE and 3GSM) for digital wireless communications. Your organization may already be a full member of the GSMA. Please send an e-mail to helpdesk@gsm.org requesting access to the GSMA Infocentre and your query will be investigated. How to become a Full Member: see www.gsmworld.com/about/membership/membership.shtml  Associate Membership is open to suppliers of the GSM Family of technology platforms (GSM, GPRS, EDGE and 3GSM), Application Providers, Billing Systems Suppliers, Data Clearing Houses, Financial Clearing Houses, GRX Carriers, Infrastructure Suppliers, Mobile Terminal Suppliers, Roaming Brokers, SIM Card Suppliers, Security Systems Suppliers, Signaling Providers, Simulators Suppliers, GSM Standards Supporters. How to become an Associate Member: see www.gsmworld.com/about/membership/associate.shtml |
| My phone has been lost/stolen. What can I do? | The only thing that can be suggested is that you contact your Network Operator and quote your full IMEI. If they have the suitable software, they may be able to block the IMEI for your phone and prevent anybody else from using it. |
