Chinese Mobile - Death or Life :The answer is finally LIFE

1. While doing a course in Sec'bad many of my colleagues purchased cheap but high in functions chinese brand mobile phones.There were few reactions in form of a anticipatory ban in few months from date of purchase since they do not have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers and posed a serious security risk. ......but those who chose to buy it were ready  for the risk.....then finally the news came out in media that with effect from Apr 15 09 this year about 16 million handsets would go  out of service , as GSM service providers, including Airtel and Vodafone pull the plug on them. 

2. The verdict is finally out.The government has given a go-ahead to GSM operators to provide a new unique identification number to over 16 million China-made mobile phones in the country. Users of these handsets, which don’t have the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, will have to shell out about Rs 180 to obtain the number. This has been made possible with the help of a new software, developed by GSM operators’ body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Mobile Standards Alliance of India.The association has obtained the IMEI numbers from GSMA, the global body that allocates these numbers.

3. Thanks TOI InfoTech Tab.