Registration of mobile phones by IMEI to be free of charge in Uzbekistan

The introduction of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) in Uzbekistan will start from April 1, 2019. Registration of devices used in the networks of GSM-operators in Uzbekistan will be automatic and free of charge, the Ministry of Finance reported.

From subscribers who are already using their mobile devices in the networks of local GSM-operators, no action is required to register their devices – registration actions will be performed by the system operator and telecom operators.

The system of accounting and registration of devices will limit the use of counterfeit devices i.e. devices for which the IMEI code does not correspond to the actual model of the device, devices in the “black” list that got into it due to theft or loss, as well as devices that have not passed the customs clearance procedure.

Before purchasing, it is recommended to check the status – correctness of the IMEI code of the device on the official website of the system uzimei.uz.

The accounting and registration system will also allow establishment of information exchange with the GSMA association, for obtaining information necessary for registering devices, as well as for exchanging lists of stolen or lost subscriber devices.

The State Unitary Enterprise “Republican center for the control of telecommunication networks of Uzbekistan” was established as an operator of the mobile devices accounting system in the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the basis of which a system of accounting and registration of mobile devices is installed. This system is connected to the networks of all telecom operators of the Republic of Uzbekistan and interacts online. Also, this system will act as a recorder of imported mobile devices.

Currently, 118 mobile operators from 43 countries are connected to the GSMA base, in particular: Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, UK and Venezuela. Information exchange with the GSMA will limit the use of devices stolen or lost in other states, in the Republic of Uzbekistan and vice versa – it will be impossible to use devices blacklisted in the Republic of Uzbekistan in the networks of GSMA member companies.