Mobile consumers in India who currently use phones without IMEI will be disconnected from today following a DoT directive. 

Over 25 million subscribers are likely to be affected by the move.

Earlier COAI had made provision to incorporate a valid IMEI into such handsets through the use of a software mechanism. But the move failed to make the end-consumer aware of such a provision.

DoT had issued the directive following security concerns over continued use of such devices. Security agencies find it difficult to track communication made through such devices.