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Author P800 blocking....
desiboy501
P900
Joined: May 06, 2003
Posts: 14
PM
Posted: 2003-05-29 13:26
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I was told the P800 cannot be blocked by UK networks due to some software something something! Is this true??
Anyone heard this before?
epscilon
P800 no flip
Joined: Apr 02, 2003
Posts: 337
From: UK
PM, WWW
Posted: 2003-05-29 13:54
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I don't think this is right. My p800 can only be used on orange and it blocked by all other networks.
desiboy501
P900
Joined: May 06, 2003
Posts: 14
PM
Posted: 2003-05-29 13:59
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No when I mean "blocked", I mean blocked by the network (blacklisted).

When a phone is reported stolen, it is blocked by the UK networks. The IMEI is blacklisted and the phone is deemed useless (unless unblocked...which is illegal in the UK!!)

Unlocking (which is what you are talking about), is just opening up the phone to all networks so any SIM card can work in there.

demon106
T610
Joined: Apr 17, 2003
Posts: 193
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Posted: 2003-05-29 18:49
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P800s can definately be blocked by Orange UK, as a P800 I was due to purchase just before I got my current one got blocked, and this was confirmed by Orange upon phoning them. Luckily the guy who was selling it to me (who turned out to be pretty dodgy!) admitted this to me before I bought it.

I can't see why any network would have problems blocking a P800, because the block is based on the IMEI, which every phone has. I'd imagine the network checks the IMEI number against their blacklist every time the phone is turned on, and maybe even when you change between cells.

Andy
tycho
T68 gold
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Posts: 18
From: UK
PM
Posted: 2003-05-30 11:02
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The network can decide how many times the phone is checked. Most networks only check every 5 or 6 times the phone is switched on and they don't check when you move between cells. They don't check every time as this is not a profit service and they want to use the bandwidth for calls etc.
ami6
W980
Joined: Aug 20, 2002
Posts: 121
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Posted: 2003-05-30 13:13
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All GSM networks include this feature, there is a node called EIR (equipment identity register) which handles barring/blocking of phones based on IMEI number authentication.

Whether or not an operator actively supports this feature, i.e. registers stolen phones or not, is up to him. And, more important, when using the phone with another operator (not with the one where it was initially used with), that/his EIR not necessarily has that IMEI registered in their blacklist.

The EIR db holds records for 3 types of mobile; black, grey and white. Black mobiles are those reported stolen or whose operation on the network will adversely affect network operation. These mobiles will not be allowed to access the network. Grey mobiles are classed as non-conforming, but may be used on the network. White are ok.

Since October 2002, the use of EIR has become a regulatory requirement for mobile operators in the United Kingdom. A number of other European countries will soon follow suit, including France, which has mandated a first quarter 2004 deadline for implementation.

Note: Any subscriber trying to use black-, white-, and gray listed telephones can be monitored!

Bottom line:

When your phone gets stolen, notify *all* operators in your country.
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