Easy method to check PTA status before buying a mobile phone revealed

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised mobile phone users to verify the approval and registration status of a device before purchasing a new or used handset to avoid service disruptions later.

According to PTA, these guidelines are issued under the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), which aims to curb the use of illegal, unregistered, and cloned mobile phones in the country. Under this system, mobile devices with unverified IMEI numbers are blocked from network access.

The authority has also outlined simple methods for checking a phone’s PTA status. Users can dial *#06# on their mobile to obtain the 15-digit IMEI number, compare it with the number printed on the device box, or verify it through the PTA DIRBS or CMS mobile application. Additionally, the IMEI number can be sent via SMS to 8484 to check the device status.

PTA has warned that any illegal alteration, tampering, or reprogramming of IMEI numbers is a punishable offence under the PECA Act 2016, carrying up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs1 million, or both.

Authorities have urged citizens to purchase only PTA-approved and registered mobile phones to ensure uninterrupted and secure mobile services.