PTA intensifies CPID enforcement, unregistered android users in trouble!

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has tightened the noose around users of non-PTA approved android mobile phones. The focus this time is on ‘CPID process’. According to a latest warning statement issued by the telecom regulator, possessing, selling and using devices not approved by the PTA will result in criminal action under PECA, 2016.

Before delving into the new regulations and the penalties outlined by the PTA, let’s first examine the CPID process and how it enables individuals to bypass the customs duties payable to the PTA.

HOW DOES CPID PROCESS WORK?

CPID stands for Client Process ID. In technical terms, it means that the signature IMEI number of an android mobile phone is altered via a server governed software. When this method is employed, the IMEI doesn’t change even if the device is updated or factory reset.

In non-technical terms, this means that the identity code of the android phone – usually expensive models – is changed with the identity code of a cheaper phone – usually cheap feature phones. This results in the android phone becoming usable, for local SIMs and local networks, without the need of paying the hefty tax applicable on android phones.

In Pakistan, this technique has been most common with Samsung phones.

PTA USED TO OFFER A WAY OUT

Before the latest warning issued by the PTA, the regulator provided a solution, primarily aimed at helping those who had accidentally purchased a phone with a modified CPID. Android users in this situation could register their CPID and IMEI with the PTA on a single SIM (phone number) by paying the required charges. However, this process significantly lowered the phone’s resale value, as once the phone was registered with the PTA, it would only work with the SIM it was registered to, making it incompatible with any other SIM.

WHAT CHANGED?

Now the PTA has outrightly banned devices that have not been registered with the PTA in the proper way. One of the reasons behind this change in approach is simply the massive number of android phones with modified CPID in circulation in the country. In absence of proper registration, these phones are not only a threat to the data and privacy of the android user, but also pose a national security risk by making it difficult to track financial and cyber frauds.

STRONG RULES, STRONGER PENALTIES

According to the latest notice issued by the PTA, devices that have not been registered through PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) may result in legal action. Only the devices registered through DIRBS, with all applicable taxes cleared with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will be considered legal in Pakistan.

The notice also mentions the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which denote the sale and purchase of cloned devices, unregistered joint venture (JV) devices, and duplicate devices as a punishable offense.

The PTA, in coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), will now conduct an active crackdown against the illegal mobile phone sale and purchase. This will include raids, arrests, confiscation of illegal devices as well as criminal proceedings against offenders.

The PTA statement said that the collaboration between two authorities is aiming to dismantle networks operating in the illegal trade of these non-compliant devices.

Also read: FIA, PTA arrest suspect involved in illegal sale of foreign SIMs in Gilgit