Combatting Counterfeit and Substandard ICT Devices: IMEI Ecosystem & Its Role

The conference held in Geneva, Switzerland in November 2014 addressed the critical issue of combatting counterfeit and substandard ICT devices, focusing on the IMEI ecosystem and its significance in preventing the use of counterfeit devices. James Moran, Security Director at GSM Association, highlighted the importance of IMEI in identifying mobile devices and the initiatives taken to eradicate non-type approved devices from accessing mobile networks. The IMEI characteristics, including the 15-digit serial number structure and the role of TAC, were also discussed to emphasize the uniqueness and global recognition of IMEI as a necessary device identifier.

• Counterfeit Devices
• IMEI Ecosystem
• ICT Devices
• GSM Association
• Geneva Conference

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1. Combating Counterfeit and Substandard ICT Devices (Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014) IMEI Ecosystem & its Role in Combatting Use of Counterfeit Devices James Moran, Security Director, GSM Association jmoran@gsma.com Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014

2. Introducing GSMA Level 1 text to appear in Verdana font, Point size 32 Founded in 1987 by 15 operators committed to the joint development of a cross border digital system for mobile communications. Became the global trade group for the mobile industry, representing the vast majority of mobile phone networks across the world Now encompassing commercial, public policy and technical initiatives, ensuring mobile services work globally The Association s members now serve more than 6 billion customers More than 800 operator Members across 220 countries Over 200 Associate Members (manufacturers and suppliers) Success built on open standards, interoperability and scale Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 2

3. https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNPiMA-GMJLZgwiK5aoFcoc_6-8UAaU3Zr2OnVIuag5TpxGtA2EQhttps://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNPiMA-GMJLZgwiK5aoFcoc_6-8UAaU3Zr2OnVIuag5TpxGtA2EQ Identifying Mobile Devices International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) defined in 3GPP specifications to uniquely identify mobile devices IMEI originally introduced to prevent non-type approved devices from accessing mobile networks Type Approval Advisory Board (consisting of type approval and government officials) endorsed IMEI as satisfactory serial number Type approval regime disbanded in 1999 and replaced by industry initiated voluntary certification scheme IMEI is globally recognised and government approved mechanism to uniquely identify devices IMEI is the only universally applicable and necessary device identifier Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 3

4. IMEI Characteristics IMEI No. 15 Digits Serial No NNXXXXXX ZZZZZZ TAC Check Digit A TAC Type Allocation Code, can generate 1 million IMEIs NN Reporting Body Identifier XXXXXX ME Type Identifier defined by the Reporting Body ZZZZZZ Allocated by the Reporting Body but assigned per ME by the manufacturer Check digit, defined as a function of all other IMEI digits A Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 4

5. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqBL2vpno4TiRMFE9BX59GR1084sY_F_HyUao5Tuhko-4_R-V9https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqBL2vpno4TiRMFE9BX59GR1084sY_F_HyUao5Tuhko-4_R-V9 Obtaining IMEIs Type Allocation refers to the process by which mobile devices are allocated a Type Allocation Code (TAC) and an IMEI number range The TAC is an 8 digit element of the IMEI and identifies the device make and model TACs are allocated, as part of the IMEI number ranges, to device manufacturers Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 5

6. History of TAC Allocation TACs originally administered and funded by national approval authorities Abolition of Type Approval in 1999 required industry to establish alternative regime GSMA given responsibility in April 2000 for IMEI number range and TAC allocation GSMA formally appointed the Global Decimal Administrator (GDA) in 2004: Appointing regional bodies to allocate TAC/IMEI ranges Maintaining list of allocated TACs/IMEIs Distributing list of allocated ranges via IMEI Database Provide expertise and advice on allocations GSMA is the sole allocation authority for 3GPP compliant devices Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 6

7. TAC Allocation Principles GSMA must adhere to defined principles: Process must be open, fair and transparent that allocates TACs in a non-discriminatory manner and with the minimum of delay Process must allocate unique TACs that can be universally used by manufacturers to ensure global network access Allocation of finite TAC resources must be done in an efficient manner that ensures future availability There should be one single defined process Process should be accessible on-line Database containing TAC allocations should be confidentially maintained Process and tools should be compatible with existing systems All requirements satisfied by GSMA Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 7

8. GSMA Responsibilities Coordinate the overall allocation of equipment identifiers Appoint Regional Bodies to allocate equipment identifiers Define and maintain equipment identifier allocation processes Ensure adherence to agreed allocation processes Resolve disputes related to the allocation of equipment identifiers Preserve confidentiality of data pertaining to the TAC allocations Maintain list of TAC allocations in IMEI Database Distribute Model Summary report (MSR) to eligible parties Provide expertise and advice on allocation and IMEI issues Work with all stakeholders to build and preserve integrity of the IMEI Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 8

9. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL3eTqrsFHQ1jg0TPD7ezBCsI9NkCTiH0WphX5Aj1rnd_0f27Bhttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL3eTqrsFHQ1jg0TPD7ezBCsI9NkCTiH0WphX5Aj1rnd_0f27B IMEI Database MNOs Amazon Hosting LEAs Stakeholders Customs Regulators Global repository of all TAC and IMEI number ranges allocated to device manufacturers Operationally available 24 X 7 Enabler for customs and law enforcement agencies

10. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqQvHyWogaPkXWXwEOtE9ItZ2747vA_QMgDkFqnlxEIQUl7B-Mhttps://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqQvHyWogaPkXWXwEOtE9ItZ2747vA_QMgDkFqnlxEIQUl7B-M Device Database Report Distributed by GSMA for the benefit of all stakeholders Facilitates the identification of devices and device characteristics Underpins efforts to control devices that attach to mobile networks and to reduce value by blocking spurious devices Facilitates identification of counterfeit devices and grey market products Deters device crime and supports prosecutions, device recovery, laundering prevention, etc. Critical to enhancing consumer education and protection TAC 35436106 Archos A5 35940405 HTC 0P6M100 86519802 MI 2014022 86541102 MI3 35160506 Samsung SM-N750 Samsung Korea GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), WCDMA FDD Band I, WCDMA FDD Band II, WCDMA FDD Band V, WCDMA FDD Band VIII CDMA Samsung SM-N750 35166506 Samsung SM-N750 Samsung Korea GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), WCDMA FDD Band I, WCDMA FDD Band II, WCDMA FDD Band V, WCDMA FDD Band VIII CDMA Samsung SM-N750 35418606 G2 LG Electronics Inc. 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz, CDMA2000, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), LTE FDD BAND 25, LTE FDD BAND 26, LTE TDD BAND 41, WCDMA FDD Band I, WCDMA FDD Band II, WCDMA FDD Band V CDMA LG LG-LS980 Android Y Y Y Smartphone Marketing Name Manufacturer (or) Applicant Archos SA HTC CorporationGSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), LTE FDD BAND 17, LTE FDD BAND 2, LTE FDD BAND 4, LTE FDD BAND 5, WCDMA FDD Band I, WCDMA FDD Band II, WCDMA FDD Band IV, WCDMA FDD Band V 3GPP2 HTC 0P6M100 Android Y Y Y Smartphone Xiaomi Inc 2 SIM, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0, DC-HSDPA, FM Receiver, GPRS, GPS, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), LTE TDD BAND 39, LTE TDD BAND 40, LTE TDD BAND 41, TD-SCDMA, WAP,JAVA,MMS,AMR, WAPI, WLAN 11a,11b,11g,11n 3GPP2 MI 2014022 Android N Y Y Smartphone Xiaomi Inc 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, EDGE, FM Receiver, GPRS, GPS, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), NFC, TD-SCDMA, WAP,JAVA,MMS,AMR, WAPI, WLAN 11a,11b,11g,11n, WLAN 11ac 3GPP2 MI 2013061 Android Y Y Y Smartphone Android Y Y Y Smartphone Android Y Y Y Smartphone Band 1 SIM 1 MicroSIM, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GSM 900, GSM850 (GSM800), WCDMA FDD Band I, WCDMA FDD Band VIII 3GPP2 Archos A5 Android Radio Interface Brand Name Model Name Operating System NFC Bluetooth Y Y WLAN Device Type Y Mobile Phone Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 10

11. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrtYz5AJbqRw2cSP2q5iYfssCKQHizNz-gDblgPRFJd9Gl5fllkQhttps://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrtYz5AJbqRw2cSP2q5iYfssCKQHizNz-gDblgPRFJd9Gl5fllkQ Device Database Users Network operators over 700 GSMA members National Regulatory authorities 14 Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Egypt, Gambia, India, Jordan, Mauritius, Pakistan, Portugal, Rwanda, Turkey, Uganda, UAE Law enforcement agencies 14 Australia, Canada, Channel Islands, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA Customs agencies 2 Italy, Mauritius Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 11

12. Conclusions and Recommendations We already have a standards based identifier the IMEI IMEIs allocated to applicants in accordance with defined processes Effective solutions already exist that use the IMEI to identify and block devices No demonstrable failure on the part of the IMEI system Not enough use currently being made of the available data The primacy of the IMEI as a device identifier should be recognised Industry investment in IMEI needs to be supported GSMA willing to support efforts to combat counterfeits use us! Governments and stakeholders should come take our data it s free! Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 November 2014 12