Ministry of Finance is about to start a ‘mobile phone tracking’ system which will encourage the legal trade of mobile phones and there will be a significant increase in its revenue. This attempt aims to stop the illegal trade of mobile phones especially buying and selling the mobile phones that have been stolen. Moreover, the network provider such as NTC and Ncell will have the ability to block calls and internet services if the phone is registered as “Stolen“
Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has collaborated to start a mobile phone tracking system. Mobile phones will be tracked through their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number which is different for different mobile phones.
Nepal telecom is said to start this system from the upcoming Baisakh 1. Ncell and UTL are said to start this system immediately as they have the required equipment for the mobile phone tracking but since Nepal telecom doesn’t have the equipment it will start this system within 6 months.
This is actually a great initiative from the government since the lost mobile phone can now be recovered from this system and the illegal trade of mobile phones will be hopefully stopped. Customers will surely benefit from this system as they will get the genuine mobile phone since the legal trade of mobile phones will be encouraged by this system.
How to Track Your Lost or Stolen Android Phone
First and foremost thing after buying a smartphone is to write down the IMEI number of your phone. Every smartphone has a unique IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity Number). A dual SIM phone will have 2 IMEI number. It will also be printed on the back of your device’s packaging. If you are unable to find the number, you just have to launch your phone dialer and dial the number *#06#. This will give you the IMEI number of your phone. Store this number in a safe place so that it helps you in locating your phone when it is lost. Another way of finding an IMEI number is by logging into google dashboard account.
If your phone gets lost, you can file a Police complaint by visiting the Regional Police Unit Office (Hanuman Dhoka, Teku for Kathmandu Valley users). You have to provide IMEI number of your phone while filing a police complaint upon which your phone will be registered as “Stolen“. Your service provider (NTC/NCell/UTL) uses your IMEI number to track your phone. Also, make sure that you block the SIM card that was being used in the handset. This will force the thief to replace the SIM, which will help find his/her identity.
