PTA Launches DIRBS System to Curb Import & Use of Illegal Devices

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) today formally launched Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) in collaboration with Central Asian Cellular Forum and the Mobile Industry here at PTA Headquarters Islamabad. Chairman PTA Mr. Mohammad Naveed was the chief guest whereas Mr. Abdul Samad, Member Compliance and Enforcement PTA, gave a very detailed presentation on the benefits and working of the new system launched by PTA  to curb the import and use of illegal devices in the country. The Ceremony was also attended by prominent IT and telecom industry experts, CEOs of telecom companies, and media community. Member Compliance & Enforcement answer questions from the media on the new system DIRBS during the event.

Chairman PTA said that the Authority is cognizant of telecom consumers’ needs and is taking number of steps to facilitate them in resolving their issues.

PTA  to Curb the Import and Use of Illegal Devices in the Country

The Chairman said that

PTA has always been engaged in facilitating telecom consumers with best telecom services along with due protection of their rights. Chairman further added that the statistics of telecom growth in Pakistan are evident of the satisfaction level of telecom consumers with the quality of telecom services provided to them. He said that today the mobile operators have increased this coverage to over 65% of the population. Broadband subscribers that stood on 1.3 million  till 2014 with limited speed offerings today has crossed a milestone of 50 million (2018) with mobile broadband speed crossing 20 Mbs (download) and fixed broadband speed crossing 100 Mbps (download).

Mr. Samad Khan Member Compliance said that

The Launch of this new service is yet another evidence of PTA’s sincerity towards its vision of protection of telecom consumers and their rights. He said that this system will be implemented to automatically Identify sub-standard, fake, and illegally imported mobile phones, register and block non-compliant devices on mobile phone networks. This unique system will curb illegal imports, facilitate legitimate device importers, and mobile device users, and improve overall security situation.

It is pertinent to mention here that, through Device Verification System (DVS) telecom consumers can verify authenticity of their mobile devices in line with PTA regulations via SMS to 8484 and to check the status of IMEI log on www.dirbs.pta.gov.pk or download DIRBS android mobile app form google play store.

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