PTA has introduced Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) in order to identify and block the smuggled and unregistered mobile phones. They are going to implement this system on Dec 1.
With the aim to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone usage, discourage mobile phones theft and protect consumer interest and in line with Telecom policy 2015, issued by Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom section 9.6, PTA has developed/established a system Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) at PTA premises and will be implemented on 1st December, 2018.
DIRBS is a forward working solution and is designed to cater for no service interruption for all Pakistani cellular mobile service users. All mobile devices, including non-compliant that are active on cellular mobile networks within Pakistan till 1st December, 2018 will remain operational and not be blocked, interrupted from mobile services.
To facilitate any user currently using non-compliant mobile devices (15 digit IMEI of mobile device is not as per international standards), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shall auto-pair all such IMEIs with their mobile numbers and they will remain operational without any service interruption. After DIRBS implementation on 1st of December, 2018 any new mobile device programmed with a non-standard IMEI number will be considered as non-compliant device and shall not be allowed any mobile connectivity/service in Pakistani territory as per PTA/DIRBS regulations.
PTA is already carrying out extensive awareness campaign to educate masses on DIRBS. PTA is sending informatory SMS to all mobile subscribers to notify status of their mobile device(s) in use on Pakistani cellular mobile networks.
For all Pakistani mobile device users wishing to know status of a device can send each 15 digit IMEI number via SMS to 8484. The status of the mobile device can also be checked via PTA website link www.dirbs.pta.gov.pk or by downloading DIRBS android mobile application.