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You might recall getting lots of texts from 8484 asking you to confirm your mobile device. Your mobile devices were supposed to be registered before October 20th, 2018. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that all mobile devices not registered with PTA will be blocked by January 15, 2019, which marked the beginning of the second phase of significance. To prevent any issues in the future and keep their functionality as usual, all such phones should register through the service!

People scrambled to register with PTA when the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority began barring all unregistered phones on January 16 to get their mobile phones back in working condition.

In Simple terms, you won't be able to place or receive any calls or send or receive any texts if your phone is not registered with PTA. You will be able to complete all the activities once your mobile device complies with DIRBS.

Why did it happen?

The device Registration, Identification, and Blocking System, or DIRBS, was introduced by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in 2018. Its main objective is to prevent the unauthorized use of mobile phones. Given that Pakistan imports the majority of its mobile phones. These non-compliant gadgets are smuggled into Pakistan and are then utilized for criminal operations. DIRBS verifies, detects, tracks, and discourages their usage.

Let's discuss the different ways to register your mobile phone with PTA.

What is the IMEI number?

Similar to a vehicle identifying number, your mobile phone's IMEI number is a special code. If blocked, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your phone or use your mobile device to access any Pakistani mobile network.

How to check the IMEI number?

IMEI number which can be checked by any of the following:

Method 1: Dial *#06# on your mobile.

Method 2:Go to the ‘Settings‘ then “About Phone” section of your smartphone.

Method 3: It is also printed on your mobile phone’s box.

Method 4:If your phone has a removable battery, remove the back cover and battery to find the IMEI number.

How to check your mobile registration?

To determine whether your mobile device is registered in PTA or not, you'll need the IMEI number. Four distinct methods to check IMEI numbers have already been described. The time to prepare for PTA mobile registration checks is now.

You may find out if your cellphone has been verified or not by sending the IMEI number of your device to the number 8484.

The three possible messages you can receive are:

1. Your mobile device's IMEI is valid. The term "Compliant" in this message denotes that it has been registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, making all of its functions available to you (Phone calls, text messages, etc).

2. The IMEI of your mobile device is non-compliant. The term "Non-Compliant" in this message denotes the fact that the device has not been registered with PTA due to a duplicate or unallocated IMEI. However, you can still use the sim that was connected to it before October 20th, 2018, to make calls or send SMS messages.
 

The IMEI of your mobile device is blocked. Because the IMEI was illegally obtained, not taxed, or reported as stolen, PTA has barred the communication, which is indicated by the word "Blocked" in this message. If this is the case, you will be unable to engage in any activity and will be required to register your cell phone with PTA and pay taxes.

How to register your mobile phone with PTA

There are a few things you must be aware of before beginning the mobile phone registration procedure with PTA, regardless of whether your phone requires registration or not.

1. If you are a foreigner or living abroad. According to the most recent March 2022 PTA update, you are not required to pay any taxes or fees for the first 120 days that you use the mobile phone in Pakistan. It was previously only valid for 60 days. However, you must register it with PTA if you plan to use it for some time longer than 120 days.

2. It is required for all SIM/IMEI-based devices to register with PTA. Tablets, smart watches, iPads; mobile phones, etc. are a few examples.

There are 4 different methods to register your mobile phone with PTA.

Register Mobile Phone through USSD

The first and easiest method to register your mobile phone in PTA is to use USSD.

• Dial *8484# on your device

• You’ll be asked to select Language. Press 1 for English or Press 2 for Roman Urdu.

• After that, you’ll see various options. Press 1 for Registration of the Device

 

• Then, you’ll be asked if you are a Pakistani or a Foreigner. Press 1 for Pakistan or Press 2 for Foreigner

 

• You’ll be asked if your Device is foreign or local. Press 1 for foreign or Press 2 for local

 

• Now enter your CNIC or Passport number
• Then you’ll be asked about the number of sim slots in your device
• Write the IMEI numbers of your device, if your device has 2 sim slots, you’ll need to write both IMEI numbers to complete the registration process of your device with PTA

 

DIRBS Mobile Phone Registration.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority launched DIRBS in 2018 to make sure there are no active illegal mobile phones in Pakistan. It stands for Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System.

Few factories produce mobile phones in Pakistan; hence the majority of smartphones and other gadgets are bulk imported from other nations like China or the United States. DIRBS tracks and controls all of these gadgets to make sure they are taxed when they are imported into Pakistan. The elimination of smuggled phones from Pakistan is one of DIRBS's top priorities because the majority of them are used for illegal purposes.

 

Conclusion

We've discussed several various ways to register mobile phones with PTA. The easiest way is to register with USSD. If you’re still confused about any of the registration processes, you can Visit the PTA Website as well.