New IMEI Decision from BTK
Official titleCommuniqué Amending the Communiqué on the Registration of Devices Incorporating Electronic Identity Information
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority updated device registration processes by making significant amendments to the Communiqué on the Registration of Devices Incorporating Electronic Identity Information. These amendments reorganize registration methods, device registrations of foreign mission personnel, and IMEI replacement procedures for defective devices.
Before
The ability to perform transactions via short message initiation and subscriber registration centers in the registration of devices with electronic identity information; uncertainties regarding device registration and usage duration for members of foreign missions; less detailed rules in the IMEI change processes of faulty devices.
After
The 'short message initiation' and 'from subscriber registration center' options have been removed in device registration. Device registration applications for persons holding foreign mission identity cards will be made via the e-Devlet Gateway and will remain on the whitelist for the duration of the identity card's validity, after which they will be blacklisted at the end of a 120-day usage period. For IMEI changes of faulty devices, an application can be made via e-Devlet by the initial registration applicant, importer, or manufacturer with an exchange document that meets certain conditions.
Details of the Regulation
With the amendments made, the phrase 'initiating a short message' and the phrase 'from the subscriber registration center' have been repealed in the registration of devices incorporating electronic identity information. This indicates a simplification in the methods used for device registration. In addition, the processes regarding the device registrations of Foreign Mission Identity Card holders who are granted tax exemption by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been clarified. These individuals will apply through the e-Devlet Kapısı during the validity period of their identity cards, the declared information will be verified electronically, and the IMEI numbers of their devices will remain on the white list during the validity period of the identity card. Following the expiration of the identity card's validity period, the relevant IMEI numbers will be blacklisted at the end of a hundred and twenty-day usage period. In the event that a device brought from abroad accompanying a passenger malfunctions, IMEI replacement procedures have also been reorganized. The first registration applicant may apply with a replacement document via the e-Devlet Kapısı within three calendar years from the completion of the device registration process. This replacement document must be on letterhead paper or contain the company stamp, include the name/title, address, or phone number of the company performing the replacement, contain information stating that the replacement was performed due to a fault, and include the old and new IMEI numbers replaced.
Questions You Might Have
- Can SMS or subscriber registration centers still be used for device registration?
- No, since the phrase 'initiating a short message' and the phrase 'from the subscriber registration center' have been repealed, these methods can no longer be used.
- What should I do to change the IMEI of my defective phone brought from abroad?
- The initial registration applicant or the importer/manufacturer of the device intended for replacement can carry out the IMEI replacement procedure by applying through the e-Devlet Kapısı with a replacement document that meets certain conditions.
- How long is the device registration period for members of foreign missions?
- The device remains on the white list during the validity period of the Foreign Mission Identity Card. After the expiration of this period, it is placed on the black list at the end of a 120-day usage period.
- What information must be included in the replacement document?
- The replacement document must be on letterhead paper or contain a company stamp; it must include the name/title, address/telephone number of the company performing the replacement, information that the replacement was made due to a fault, and the old and new IMEI numbers replaced.
Key Terms
- Elektronik Kimlik Bilgisini Haiz Cihazlar
- Devices such as mobile phones and tablets that bear unique electronic identity information like International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).
- IMEI
- An abbreviation for International Mobile Equipment Identity, which is a unique 15-digit serial number for every GSM mobile phone.
- e-Devlet Kapısı
- A web-based system that provides single-point access to services offered by the state to citizens in an electronic environment.
- Yabancı Misyon Kimlik Kartı
- A special identity document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to members of foreign missions serving in Türkiye.
- Beyaz Liste
- A list of devices whose IMEI numbers are considered legal and valid and are permitted to operate on mobile networks.
- Siyah Liste
- A list of devices whose IMEI numbers are determined to be illegal, lost, stolen, or cloned and are not permitted to operate on mobile networks.
Affected Sectors
- Electronic device importers
- Mobile network operators
- Technology services
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Foreign missions
- Individual consumers
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REGAS Commentary
These amendments to the communiqué aim to facilitate the procedures of citizens and individuals of certain statuses by making electronic device registration processes more digital and centralized. In particular, the widespread use of applications made via the e-Devlet Kapısı will reduce dependence on physical centers. Establishing clear rules regarding the device usage and registration periods of foreign mission personnel resolves uncertainties in this area. Detailing the IMEI replacement procedures for defective devices is an important step towards preventing consumer victimization.