New Delhi:
Millions of mobile phones without unique identification numbers will stop ringing on Tuesday as the deadline set by the government for operators to block calls on such devices expires on Monday.
The government directive is based on security concerns.
As per some estimates, over 25 million handsets without IMEI numbers are in circulation in the country.
The 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number helps security agencies trace calls made from and received on handsets.
The number, which represents the manufacturer's name and type of the phone, is automatically registered with the mobile service provider as soon as the phone is activated.
In the wake of increased threat perception from terrorists, the Department of Telecom had asked operators not to allow calls to be completed on handsets without the IMEI number after November 30.
After the government's directive, the GSM mobile operators lobby Cellular Operators Association of India began installing identity numbers on devices without them.
However, a large number of users are yet to get these numbers and operators feel the deadline should be extended. A leading cellular operator, that did not wish to be identified, expressed concern. An executive said: "Why are subscribers being penalised? They had purchased handsets from markets without knowing about any such clause."