What is Mobile Device Management System (MDMS), How Does it Work

Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has implemented MDMS system on all mobile devices from 15th September 2022.

NTA has implemented the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS System) to prevent the illegal import and sale of mobile phones.

What is MDMS?

MDMS system has been introduced for the purpose of online registration of IMEI/ESN/MEID number of mobile devices in use in Nepal. It is used to detect mobile devices and terminate service of unauthorized sets when required. According to the authority, phones coming to Nepal after 15t September 2022 must be registered. If you do not register, you cannot call, pick up and use mobile internet.

NTA held a program in Lalitpur on Thursday and conducted a 'soft launch' of the system. Although the system was announced two/four times earlier, the authority was unable to fully implement it. This time at least web portal of MDMS system has been launched. The process of blocking (stopping service) mobile sets that have been stolen or imported illegally has been initiated.

The Authority has itself registered all mobile sets in operation till 15t September 2022 in the MDMS system. From August 31, those who want to bring a phone from abroad and connect to the local mobile network must register the phone in the MDMS system. Mobile operators should register IMEI numbers through importers portal of MDMS system before importing phones. Once the number is registered, the authority checks it. If the IMEI number sent by the importer matches with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) number, the authority sends a no objection letter to the customs office. Customs allows entry into Nepal only after entering the mobile device and IMEI number. Phone users who have entered in this way do not need to register the IMEI number again after purchase. Foreign tourists using roaming services do not need to register their MDMS number in Nepal. However, if he wants to use a Nepali SIM card, he needs to register.

In the case of a phone sent as a gift or purchased by a relative or friend abroad, the user must register the IMEI number himself. Registration can be done by going to the Authority's website and clicking on 'Mobile Sets IMEI/EASON/MEAD Registration'. There is no charge for this.

You can check if your mobile device's IMEI number is registered or not by visiting MDMS.NTA.GOV.NP. This fifteen digit number is considered to be the property that identifies the device. You can dial '*#06#' to know the IMEI number of your mobile phone.

Passengers are allowed to bring a maximum of two mobile sets when coming from abroad. If you bring more than that, you have to pay customs duty. Customs receipt, citizenship/passport/visa photo must be submitted while registering IMEI.

This system will make it easier to solve the mobile related problems of consumers and it will also help in controlling tax evasion. Some people illegally bring mobile devices from open borders and sell them here. It is causing a huge loss in revenue collection. It is expected that the number of phones imported by evading customs will be reduced as mobile phones that are not registered in MDMS will not work.

According to the authority, if the device is found not registered in MDMS after inserting the SIM card of Nepal Telecom, Ncell or Smartcell in the phone brought from abroad, a period of two weeks will be given for registration. If you do not register within that period, the mobile service will be stopped.

It is said that the role of MDMS will be to ban the illegal entry of mobiles and to bring the unauthorized use of mobiles and SIMs of common people into the legal sphere. It helps in tracing lost and stolen mobiles. Prevents unauthorized use of such mobiles. While purchasing a new mobile phone, the NTA has requested the consumer to deposit the money only after checking whether the phone is registered/not in the MDMS system.