The Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act of 2002 will not come into force until an order is made by the Secretary of State. It refers to changing interfering with the operation of a “unique device identifier” (known as an IMEI number) in a “mobile wireless communications device.” The maximum sentence under the Act is a five year prison term and a fine.
An offence will also be committed if it can be proved that an individual is in possession of equipment for reprogramming a phone with the intent of using the equipment for that purpose or, if supplying or offering to supply such equipment, he does so with the knowledge or belief that it will be used for that purpose.
Computer Weekly yesterday reported that the UK’s network operators are creating a shared database to enable the blocking of stolen mobile phones. The database, expected to be set up by the end of September, will bar phones across all networks by referring to their IMEI number.