Anatel starts tracking irregular phones, but rules out blockage

Brazilian telecoms watchdog Anatelstarted testing a system that tracks and diagnoses irregular mobile devices connected to carriers' networks, but has ruled out any blockage of the equipment for now, the regulator said in a release.

The so-called integrated devices management system, or SIGA for its Portuguese acronym, was developed by operators and has been launched in an experimental phase.

Under the system, phone identification occurs via SIM cards, which read the handset's serial number known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Like a computer's IP address, the IMEI number is the device's "fingerprint," identifying GSM, WCDMA and iDEN mobile devices.

"In a first phase, the system will allow the diagnosis of the devices that are connected to the service providers' networks. With this information, further measures will be announced in order to ensure network access to only standardized equipment," Anatel said.

Upon reports that many phones and tablets would stop working, the agency stressed that there is no timetable for further measures to be implemented or if devices currently in operation will be blocked.

"Any measures adopted will be subject to timely disclosure to users."

CHINESE INVASION

The main target of the initiative is to curb the invasion of pirated and irregularly imported phones, most of which come from China in the form of cheap imitations of famous brands.

The agency recommends that users purchase only Anatel-certified mobile phones, as the manufacture, sale and use of uncertified devices is an offense under current legislation, punishable with fines and even arrest.

It is insufficient for a device to be certified by regulators abroad, as it must also have local certification, Anatel said. This has raised concerns that original and high-end devices acquired by travelers abroad might also stop functioning in Brazil if a blockage occurs.