Before registering your mobile, you need to know the IMEI number first. You can easily find your Phone's IMEI Number on the cover of the mobile set or you can check using USSD code. If your number is not registered till now, go and get registered as soon as possible.  

Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has recently published a notice that all the mobile phone sets that have not been registered so far or brought illegally will be unusable from July 16, the beginning of the next fiscal year. Once the rule will come into effect, mobile import from the grey market will get banned.  And the phone purchase without a bill and warranty will not be allowed to operate in Nepal. 

Now, the registration of the IMEI number has been obligatory in Nepal . Let's take the time to know about the new system, what exactly an IMEI number is and what it uses.

What is an IMEI number? 

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a number, usually unique, to identify 3GPP and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually store inside the battery compartment of the mobile set , but can also be displayed on-screen on most phones by entering *#06# code or alongside other system information in the settings menu on smartphone operating systems. 

How to find your phone’s IMEI number?

You can easily find your device’s IMEI number on the box it came with or there is also another easy step you follow. 

1. Simply type ‘*#06#’ on your phone and dial it. 

2. Note both IMEI1 and IMEI2 somewhere for reference.

3. Now, visit NTA’s website https://nta.gov.np/en/

4. Click on Know Your Device.

5. Enter your device’s IMEI Number in the box.

6. Click on submit.

7. The message appears below after a few seconds. If your device was not registered, then follow the below steps carefully.

How to register an IMEI number in Nepal?

First of all, Check if your device is registered with the Nepal Telecommunications Authority or not.  If it is not registered, you can follow these steps. 

• Visit the Nepal Telecommunication Authority. 

• Click on “Know your device” to check whether your device is registered.

• After checking your device IMEI, Click on Sign Up. 

• Click on the “Individual Application Registration”.

• Fill up the form. 

• Upload the identification ID (Citizenship, driving license, passport) photo 

• Enter the name of the document you uploaded (e.g. citizenship)

• Enter your contact number or email address.

• Submit the application and you have successfully registered. 

Why is IMEI registration important? 

The Government has built a system that keeps and maintains a record of mobile devices after their IMEI number is registered with it. Global System for Mobile Communication(GSM) networks use the IMEI number to recognize valid devices, and can stop a stolen phone from accessing the network. This will help in tracking and ensure whoever found or store will not be able to use the phone. 

Also, the system detects lost or stolen phones and imports genuine quality phones which may help to control criminal activities.