National News

Telecom Security in India

September 27 , 2026 6 hrs 0 min 18 0

India’s active wireless mobile subscriber base reached 1,204.01 million in July 2026, highlighting the need to protect mobile devices and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that identifies a mobile device on a telecom network; the first 8 digits form the Type Allocation Code (TAC).
Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) oversees TAC allocation, while manufacturers assign unique IMEIs to devices.
Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, IMEI tampering and obtaining SIMs through fraud or impersonation are prohibited and can attract up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a ₹50 lakh fine, or both.
The Sanchar Saathi platform helps users verify device details and block lost or stolen mobile phones.