Abu Dhabi: The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has urged the public to notify telecom service providers in case of loss or theft of their mobile devices.
TDRA seeks to raise awareness regarding the procedures for reporting the loss or theft of a mobile phone. UAE telecom service providers offer various channels through which the public can communicate to report such incidents, including customer service call centers, live chat services on websites, and other channels affiliated with the operators.
Once the theft or loss is reported, the service provider will confirm details and ask for customer approval to initiate a blocking process for the device. Upon receiving the customer’s approval, the service provider adds the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) to the blacklisted devices database.
Within a 24-hour time frame of receiving the report, the service provider will initiate the block on this device, preventing its connection to any wireless network in the UAE. Unblocking the device once found will also take 24 hours, the authority added.
Mr. Saif Bin Ghelaita, Director of Technology Development Affairs at TDRA, stated that, “By implementing the procedures for reporting the loss or theft of mobile phones, TDRA seeks to raise awareness on how to respond in such situations. This effort contributes to enhancing the security and well-being of the Emirati community, an aspect of paramount importance to the UAE Government and its wise leadership.”
“The surge in electronic services, both in government and the private sector, has led the majority of users to depend primarily on mobile phones for a wide array of transactions. These transactions encompass governmental processes, financial payments, and service applications. Consequently, there was a need to introduce more services and implement additional measures, ensuring the safeguarding of customers’ security and privacy,” Mr. Ghelaita added.
TDRA also urges the public to provide precise information concerning personal identity, the time and location of the loss or theft incident, and the specifications of the device.
These measures are part of TDRA’s efforts to regulate the UAE’s telecommunications sector, with the aim of streamlining the subscribers’ experience and enhancing customer happiness concerning telecommunications services.