India's active wireless mobile subscriber base reached 1,204.01 million in July 2026, underlining the need to protect mobile devices and their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers. An IMEI is a unique 15-digit number identifying a device on a network; its first 8 digits form the Type Allocation Code (TAC), allocated under GSMA oversight, while manufacturers assign individual IMEIs. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, IMEI tampering and getting SIMs through fraud or impersonation can draw up to 3 years' jail, a ₹50 lakh fine, or both. The Sanchar Saathi platform lets users verify devices and block lost or stolen phones.