Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR):
CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) create a central IMEI registry where all IMEIs of mobile phones or SIM based devices are registered. Also, in CEIR, the records are maintained for establishing a national database of IMEIs.
CEIR is established under the international best practices recommended by ITU and GSMA.
CEIR aims to improve the social economic outlook of the Malawi by regulating all SIM-based devices especially mobile phones in the country.
Check IMEI Feature:
MACRA operates the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to allow consumers to check IMEI status of their mobile phones or SIM-based devices with CEIR using the following methods free of charge:
• Web portal:
• USSD: Dial *261# and follow the instructions
The IMEI status will be displayed in 2 parts: IMEI compliance with CEIR and IMEI registration with CEIR, followed by the instructions on how to automatically register IMEI with CEIR during the amnesty period.
Consumers should check all IMEIs status of a mobile phone with CEIR before buying and should not buy any mobile phone whose IMEI status is non-compliant.
IMEI:
• IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is an international identity number of SIM-based devices, consisting of 15 (fifteen) digits in below formats:
– The first 8 (eight) digits is Type Allocation Code (TAC);
– The next 6 (six) digits is Serial Numbers (SNR):
– The last 1 (one) digit is used to verify the IMEI.
• A mobile phone can have multiple IMEls based on its available SIM(s) and those IMEls can be found by dialing *#06# from the dial pad of your mobile phone or on the original mobile phone box.
• IMEI only identifies the SIM-based device and has no relationship to the consumer.
Benefits
Reduce the thefts of SIM-based devices and enhance public security in Malawi
Prevent the use of counterfeit SIM-based devices and improve the quality of telecommunication service in Malawi
Prevent illegal imports of SIM based devices and promote fair competitions in Malawi
