TECHDIGEST – The federal government is firming up plans to track mobile communication devices in Nigeria and has announced Request For Qualification (RFQ) From prospective operators to operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Bidders are to apply for deployment of “a single window Device Management System (DMS),” the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) published in a New Notice Wednesday 4, 2022.

“The proposed DMS will provide a single control point for comprehensive device management for mobile communication devices in Nigeria.

“Specifically, the proposed DMS will support capabilities for tracking of mobile communication devices to eliminate fake and substandard devices, provide detailed statistical information for stakeholders use, and support the fight against cybercrime and insecurity.”

The telecom regulator is asking “interested firms and/or consortium of firms to participate in the qualification process for the selection of a Private Sector Operator through a Competitive Bidding process for the “Deployment of a Device Management System (DMS)”.

Last year, the NCC announced government’s approval for the Revised National Policy for SIM Card Registration released May 11 triggering controversies with critics fearing that government was planning to ‘rig’ subscribers’ mobile devices.

Part of the newly approved policy states: “implementation of a Centralized Equipment Identity and Register (CEIR), otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and owners of such devices.”

Nigeria’s telecom space is a security nightmare

With over 184 million mobile subscribers. Africa’s largest telecom market poses challenges to governments, regulators and operators amidst rising cases of kidnapping for ransom, stolen phones, and terrorism among others.

Authorities believe the deployment of DMS will help to curtail kidnappings, enhance national security; tame the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, and ultimately, protect consumer interest. The DMS will facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices.

India already tracking phones

The Indian government in 2019 launched the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) leveraging the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) database to track lost or stolen phones. With about1.2 billion active connections, India is the second most populous market for mobile phones in the world.

The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that precisely identifies the device with the SIM card input. The DMS for Nigeria is designed to work in a similar.

Source : ITedgenews

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By Martin Ekpeke

TECH DIGEST – The issue of Mobile Devices Management Systems (MDMS), caused some upheavals last week with some Nigerians arguing that the policy will give away their privacy to the government via the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

But a cursory look at the policy well-conceived by the Nigerian Communications Commission, led by Prof. Umar Danbatta administration in 2019, shows that the policy is well-thought-out and will help curb the incessant fraud issues and ultimately, protect telecom subscribers.

In fact, the policy is one of the consumer-centric initiatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission aimed at ensuring that cases of the influx of fake phones and counterfeit mobile/terminal devices are tackled in collaboration with other relevant agencies in the country.

Though the system is yet to be deployed, it is pertinent to note that DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks as the system will capture IMEI automatically without any requirement for subscribers to submit same.

IMEI Among other issues, the initiative will help to address is the elimination of substandard/fake phones from the networks of mobile operators. Thus, enabling consumers to have access to and purchase only genuine mobile devices.

Also, cases of e-waste in Nigeria will be hugely addressed as the country will be able to control the entry of substandard mobile phones into the country. By so doing, the Commission will contribute to ensuring that the environment is not toxic and harmful to people’s health arising from the negative impact of e-waste dumping all over the place.

Having said that, it is important to note that the MDMS is designed in such a way that phone users will not be made to queue to register the IMEIs of their phones. Rather, the policy provides another leverage for the telecom regulator’s type-approval quest that all mobile devices are certified at the point of entry.

Through the IMEIs, NCC can confirm that the devices are in line with ITU specifications and prescribed standards, thereby certifying them that they are not substandard or fake before they are being sold to Nigerians in the market.

In the recently-launched 18 chapters’ book ‘Nigerian Telecoms Law and Regulation’, Co-authored by Quasim Odunbaku, a telecoms regulatory professional at the NCC and Rotimi Akapo, a lawyer, who specialises in Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) practice, it was posited that every mobile device has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which enables mobile networks on which they are used to identify the device for the primary purpose of knowing what kind of services to provision for it and generally track it on the network.

What this means is that the GSM Association (GSMA) issues IMEI numbers to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and manages the global IMEI system through the global IMEI Database (IMEI DB).

The book disclosed that in time, other uses have been found for the IMEI database. For instance, the IMEI database has proved particularly useful in curtailing the theft of mobile handsets and the criminal use of such devices. But because of the global dimensions of such crimes, the GSMA and several jurisdictions have co-operated to set up Central Equipment Identity Registries (CEIR) which enable them to blacklist implicated devices and prevent their further use on individual networks across other participating jurisdictions.

Presently in Nigeria, there is currently no Central Equipment Identity Registries (CEIR) framework, following the failure of an earlier attempt in that regard. But the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS), which the NCC plans to introduce in the nearest future which would apparently serve as an enhanced CEIR.

What CEIR does

CEIR implementation typically raises a few legal and regulatory issues, some of which relate to privacy and legal liability. These issues include whether the provisions of the NDPR and other data privacy protection instruments will apply to CEIR databases given that the IMEI is unique to the device and may therefore be used to identify the owner once it is tied to an MSISDN.

Nigeria’s effort in the past

In February 2019, when the Nigerians Communications Commission started the process of working on the DMS Project, as a result of the recurrent cycle of fraudsters deploying their trade via fake and substandard mobile devices, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other government agencies, set up two joint committees to combat the situation.

The two joint committees set up are the Project Steering Committee (PSC), comprising the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the then Federal Ministry of Communications and the NCC; and the Project Delivery Team (PDT) which draws representation from the Federal Ministry of Communications, the ICRC, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the NCC.

The specific terms of references for the Committee were to work together to ensure the implementation of Mobile Devices Management Systems (DMS), a Public-Private Partnership project, aimed at combatting the proliferation of fake, counterfeit, substandard and cloned mobile communications devices in the telecommunication industry.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, while inaugurating the committee said the move was in line with the mandate of the Commission, as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, to type-approve all devices used in the telecommunications industry and to ensure that all devices used in the telecommunications industry are in line with agreed standards and specifications.

No to submission of IMEI

Meanwhile, following the upheaval last week, the Nigerian Communications Commission issued a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

In the statement, the Commission clearly stated that even though it is in the process of deploying a Device Management System (DMS), no subscriber is required to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number.

It assured that the DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks.

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TECH DIGEST – The decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission to automatically capture the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of mobile devices owned by Nigerian citizens has been a major talking point since its announcement.

Many, including some public figures, have opposed the policy on the grounds that it is a violation of the privacy of the citizenry.

The IMEI number is a 15- or 17- digit code that identifies and allows the registration of any mobile device. No two devices have the same IMEI nunber, which makes it a very useful tool for tracking lost or stolen cell phones.

In this piece, The TechDigest.ng presents a number of ways by which users of smart devices can check find their gadget’s IMEI number.

Check by dialling universal code

One way to do check your device’s IMEI number is by dialling the IMEI code on the device. Dial *#06# and your device’s IMEI number will appear on screen. You can then take a screenshot or write it down.

Note: Most phones will tell you if the number is displayed is an IMEI or MEID number. If your phone doesn’t, you can verify which number it is by checking what carrier you use. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks such as Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID numbers.

Check Phone’s IMEI Number Via Settings (for Android)

On Android, go to Settings > About > IMEI to see the IMEI number. Tap Status and scroll down to see the IMEI information.

Check Phone’s IMEI Number Via Settings (for iPhone)

On an iPhone, tap Settings > General > About and scroll down to IMEI.

Check device’s original package

You can find your device’s IMEI number written on the original package in which the device was stored upon purchase.

Locate the barcode label stuck to the box, which may have been placed over the opening to act as a seal. Then look for the IMEI, which should be clearly labeled and usually listed together with the barcode and serial number.

Also, Android users can still check their device’s IMEI number even if they’ve lost their device or the original package in which it came.

They can do this by logging into their Google Dashboard via the Google account linked to the Android phone. The next thing is to click the “Android” icon, which is next to the green robot logo.

Doing that will reveal a list of devices registered to the account, along with their IMEI numbers.

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TECH DIGEST – The Nigerian Communications Commission has come out to state that telecommunications subscribers are not required to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of their phones.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs at the Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, hinted that NCC is rather deploying Device Management System (DMS) to protect subscribers against phone theft and checkmate fake devices in the system.

This statement came on the heels of news that subscribers are required to submit the IMEI of their phones within three months. This drew criticism from Nigerians on social media.

Reacting to the news, the NCC spokesman said, “Subscribers are not required to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number”

“At no time did the Commission issue a Statement regarding the registration of IMEI by subscribers and it has no plans to do so”.

However, NCC didn’t deny the reports in totality as the Commission acknowledged that “The reports in question have emanated from a section of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari and which has been uploaded on the Commission’s website.

“It is pertinent to state that the Commission is in the process of deploying a Device Management System (DMS). The DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks.

“The system will capture IMEI automatically without any requirement for subscribers to submit same.

“The general public is advised to disregard the said publications, which have created the erroneous impression that telephone subscribers will be required to register their IMEI with their networks”.

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TECHDIGEST – Reactions have thrilled the compulsory submission of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of Nigerians’ phones juto the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) from July.

The NCC’s demand seemed not to have gone well with some Nigerians as they went social media to launch their complaints.

Some were claiming that section 37 of the 1999 constitution provides that: “The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversation and telegraphy communication is hereby granted and protected.”

They noted that the federal government has no right whatsoever to ask the people of their IMEI phone number.

Meanwhile, some said registering IMEI is a good policy for security reasons, mobile phones can be used to detonate bombs.

They added that the focus of the NCC should be on cybersecurity, saying Nigeria is among the least cyber secure country.

According to them, there’s no way they will be able to protect these data from unauthorized access.

Earlier, Techeconomy.ng reported that the regulatory body said this in part of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration.

The NCC’s move to start the implementation of the Device Management System (a Centralised Equipment Identity Register) is backed by the country’s President, Muhammadu Buhari.

A portion of the policy said, “Accordingly, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has directed that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.”

The post Nigerians Set Twitter On Fire As NCC Asks For Phone IMEI Number appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – Nigerians woke up to the news that the Nigerian Communications Commission wants them to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of their phones to the Commission from July.

The regulatory body said this in part of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration.

The NCC’s move to start the implementation of the Device Management System (a Centralised Equipment Identity Register) is backed by the country’s President, Muhammadu Buhari.

A portion of the policy said, “Accordingly, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has directed that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.”

What is the policy meant to do?

NCC, through this move, aims to achieve eight major things as listed below:

• to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone market,
• discourage mobile phone theft,
• enhance National Security,
• protect consumer interest,
• increase revenue generation for the government,
• reduce the rate of kidnapping,
• mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and
• facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices,

In the words of the Commission: “With the aim to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, enhance National Security, protect consumer interest, increase revenue generation for the government, reduce the rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices, one of the means to achieve this is through the deployment of Device Management System.

“The implementation of a Centralised Equipment Identity Register otherwise known as Device Management System will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity and owners of such devices.

“IMEIs that have been reported as either stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the operators and service providers.”

The IMEI number is the mobile phone’s fingerprint. It is a 15-digit number unique to each phone. With the IMEI number, a phone can be tracked and located irrespective of the cellular number in it.

According to an expert that helps the Nigerian Police track stolen phones, who asked for anonymity, said, “The IMEI of a phone allows us to track the phone.

“It allows us to track the phone’s information, people the phone calls each day and the house address of the people that call on the phone.”

The expert added, “I can’t disclose how the IMEI of a phone works. It is sensitive information. Leaking the secret helps the people stealing the phone bypass the information.

“Some people already try to change the IMEI of stolen phones, but we know what to do to get the original one.”

With this move, the NCC will have the IMEI numbers, NIN, and mobile numbers of every Nigerian.

However, Nigerians are not taking the policy implementation moves lightly.

A cursory look at opinion on Twitter shows that the policy is not going down well with phone users:

The post 8 Reasons NCC Wants Nigerians To Submit Phone IMEI Number In 3 Months appeared first on Tech Digest News.