In Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) mandates the registration of all mobile phones used within the country. This process helps combat illegal activities like phone theft, counterfeiting, and misuse. Registering your mobile phone ensures its legitimacy, prevents service disruptions, and offers several benefits. This comprehensive guide explains how to register mobile with PTA using various methods i.e. dialing USSD, visting PTA portal DIRBS and Telecom Franchises.
Table of Contents
Why is Mobile Phone Registration Important?
- Combats Illegal Activities: Registration deters phone theft and discourages the use of stolen phones on cellular networks. It empowers authorities to track and block illegal devices.
- Ensures Service Continuity: Unregistered phones may face service suspension or blocking, potentially affecting incoming and outgoing communication.
- Protects Consumers: Registration helps identify counterfeit devices and safeguards consumers from purchasing and using non-compliant phones.
- Facilitates Tax Collection: By identifying legal handsets, the government can effectively collect taxes on mobile phone imports and sales.
Legal Complications of Not Registering Your Phone
- Service Suspension/Blocking: Unregistered phones might be barred from accessing cellular networks, rendering them unusable.
- Fines and Penalties: Non-compliance with registration regulations can attract fines or penalties imposed by the PTA.
- Difficulties in Reporting Theft: Authorities may encounter difficulties in tracking and recovering stolen unregistered phones.
How to Check Whether Mobile is Registered with PTA
Checking your phone’s PTA registration status is simple. Dial *8484# and follow the prompts, or visit the DIRBS portal: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/. The DIRBS mobile app also offers this functionality.
What is DIRBS?
DIRBS stands for Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System. It’s a system implemented in Pakistan by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to:
- Identify mobile devices operating on local mobile networks.
- Register compliant devices.
- Block non-compliant devices from accessing the network.
The goal of DIRBS is to combat the use of illegal or stolen mobile devices within the country. It helps to:
- Curb illegal activities like phone theft and fraud.
- Increase tax revenue by ensuring proper registration of devices.
- Improve overall network security.
It’s important to note that DIRBS is specific to Pakistan and only applies to mobile devices used within the country.
Also Read:
How to Close Your PTCL Connection
How to Change Stormfiber WiFi Password
How to Change Nayatel WiFi Password
How To Reset Your PTCL Internet Router
How to Register Mobile with PTA
There are three convenient ways to register your mobile phone with the PTA.
1. How to Register Mobile with PTA through DIRBS
Before registering your mobile in PTA through DIRBS, you will need to create an account on the portal. Here is how you will be able to create an account on DIRBS portal.
a) Creating DIRBS Account for Mobile Registration
- Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera) and type https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs
- Click on the “Sign up” button
- Select “Individual” for user type and “Mobile/Tablet PC” for purpose.
- Select the appropriate registration category:
- Local Registration: For phones purchased within Pakistan.
- Foreign Registration: For phones brought from abroad.
- Pakistani/Local: Fill out the registration form with the following information
- Full name
- Mobile Number
- City
- Postal Address
- CNIC Number
- Passport Number
- Password
- Foreigner: Fill out the registration form with the following information
- Full name
- Phone Number
- Postal Address
- Passport Number
- Password
- Click on the “submit” button to submit your information
Hurray! now you have an account on the portal and you can start registration of your mobile in PTA
b) Registering Mobile with PTA through DIRBS
For registering your mobile through DIRBs, please follow the following steps.
- Login to your DIRBS Account on https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs
- Select the appropriate registration category:
- Local Registration: For phones purchased within Pakistan.
- Foreign Registration: For phones brought from abroad.
- Pakistani/Local: Fill out the registration form with the following information
- Mobile Number
- IMEI(s)
- “Submit” your application
- Foreigner: Fill out the registration form with the following information
- Passport Number
- IMEI(s)
- Mobile Number
- “Submit” your application
- You will receive an SMS after registration and it will also mention whether you have to pay tax or not for your mobile registration with PTA.
2. How to Register Mobile with PTA Using USSD Code
- Dial
*8484#
on your phone. - Select “1” for mobile registration.
- Choose your nationality (1 for Pakistani, 2 for foreigner).
- You will be asked to enter your CNIC number (without dashes).
- After entering your CNIC, you will be prompted to enter the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of your phone. Enter the IMEI. You can find the IMEI by dialing
*#06#
. - Lastly, Reply with 1 to complete this registration request and your information will be submitted to PTA.
Note: Once you complete this process, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS from 8484 if the information is correct. If not, you’ll need to repeat the steps.
3. How to Register Mobile with PTA Throught Company Franchise
- Visit any authorized franchise or customer service center of your mobile network operator.
- Carry your phone, CNIC, and a copy of your purchase receipt.
- Request mobile registration assistance from a customer service representative.
- They will guide you through the registration process and verify your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for PTA mobile registration?
- For local registration: Your CNIC number and your phone’s IMEI.
- For foreign registration: Your CNIC (or passport for foreigners), phone’s IMEI, scanned copies of purchase receipt/proof of ownership, and possibly scanned copies of your passport/travel document.
How long does it take to receive confirmation after registration?
You should receive a confirmation SMS or email shortly after successful registration.
What happens if I don’t register my mobile phone with the PTA?
Your phone may be blocked from accessing cellular networks in Pakistan. You might also face fines or confiscation of your phone in certain cases.
Can I register a used phone with the PTA?
Yes, you can register a used phone with the PTA, as long as it is legal and not blacklisted.
What is IMEI and how to check IMEI?
IMEI, short for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique 15-digit code specifically assigned to every mobile phone in the world. It functions as the phone’s fingerprint, ensuring no two devices share the same code. Checking your IMEI is simple: just dial *#06#
on your phone and the code will appear on your screen.
Conclusion
Registering your mobile phone with the PTA is a simple process with numerous benefits. It ensures your phone operates legally, avoids potential network blockage and legal repercussions, and helps maintain security within the Pakistani telecommunication infrastructure. By following the provided methods and addressing the FAQs, you can successfully register your mobile phone and enjoy its full functionality.