Test IMEI Numbers

TÜV SÜD BABT allocates Test IMEIs to allow Companies to test prototype mobiles live on a network without previously having obtained regulatory approval (i.e. the mobiles are fully under the control of the Company). They may be single prototype units or a limited pre-production run (for example, the Company may wish to demonstrate a mobile at an exhibition or do some field trials).

The Test IMEI allocation does not grant permission to connect to a network or imply approval for test mobile stations. The use of a test IMEI is subject to any applicable national legislation and regulatory requirements. Operators are under no obligation to allow the use of test IMEI on their networks. A company will normally need to seek permission from the network operator to use the Test IMEIs on their network. Items with Test IMEI cannot be supplied to the market.Test IMEIs must not be used for samples given to operators for final product acceptance.

A Test IMEI allocation is 1 million Test IMEI numbers. The number identifies the company and not the equipment type. It is the Company’s responsibility to allocate Test IMEI blocks to mobile equipment types and manage the use of the numbers so that they can be re-used. TÜV SÜD BABT are not involved in the assignment of test IMEI blocks to individual mobile equipment types. The Company should allocate the Test IMEIs to prototype models in blocks of 1,000 and maintain their allocation records.

Once testing is complete the old test products must be destroyed so that the serial numbers can be reused.

To apply for a Test IMEI allocation send an e-mail to [email protected] providing your company name, address, contact name and telephone number.