The Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications of Uzbekistan developed a draft presidential decree “On additional measures to ordering registering and importing mobile devices in the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The document was published for discussion.

The new system is introduced in order to regulate registration of mobile devices with use of IMEI number.

The Uzbek ministry noted that that the system will improve effectiveness of combating unauthorized use of networks and telecommunications facilities, reduce number of thefts.

It is expected that introduction of the system will also serve to stimulate domestic manufacturers of mobile devices to increase production volumes and improve the quality of products.

The document said that changing IMEI codes (cloning, duplicating, installing a new code, different from the factory one, etc.) for purpose of using, selling or transferring mobile devices to third parties is a violation of the rules of trade and provision of services.

It is planned to prohibit provision of mobile services to subscribers, who us mobile devices, IMEI code of which were not registered in line with set order.

The document envisages adoption of the Rules for registration of mobile devices in Uzbekistan and creation of a special hardware and software complex and a customer service center.