The IMIE is not needed for the billing as it is the SIM info (IMSI) that is used, hence as the last post pointed out you can move your SIM to other phones with no problem. The networks can ban IMSI or IMEI if they want to. There is a facility for a Global black list so all the operators can give lists of stolen mobile IMIE numbers, but I don't think they do anything with it at the moment. I think this facility resides in Ireland.
If offered a mobile that will work on 3 out of the 4 networks (UK) then there is a good chance it is stolen, or lost and has been blocked on the previous owners home network.
Also some mobiles are locked into one network, by the operators, this can be undone, by various methods, depending on the phone manufacturer.
CC
Last edited by Crossedcontrols; 19th August 2002 at 13:00.