TRAI seeks ways on 'blocking' lost, stolen mobiles

Losing one's mobile phone, or worse, knowing that it's stolen ends up being a harrowing experience for the victim, and unfortunately such incidents are not rare. Most grieve over the loss of information, contacts and other details stored on their phone, and several others with 'pricey', high-end handsets repent losing such an expensive device. But, what comes across as a nightmare to such people is the fear of having their phone misused. While a quick call to the service provider will block the SIM, blocking one's phone has been an impossible task. 

Making it safer! (Image credit: Getty Images)

Now, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is seeking ways to 'block' lost or stolen handsets, so that they don't end up becoming the tool of some miscreant's plans. According to a report by Hindustan Times, TRAI is looking at coming down heavily on offenders who misuse stolen handsets, and to the flourishing illegal handset market in the country. The report states that TRAI now wants to block the stolen, or lost handsets, altogether, and plans to bring out its first recommendations in this respect, sometime next month. 

Reportedly, this isn't the first time TRAI has put forth this view. Earlier, in 2004, a similar attempt bit the dust because the telecom networks were ill-equipped to track the mobile handsets. Now, however, with the IMEI number system, which is unique to each handset, TRAI's hopes seem to hold water.