The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has announced that TRCSL approval must be verified when purchasing devices that connect to cellular networks via sim from tomorrow (01).

According to the Daily Mirror, Director General of the TRCSL Oshada Senanayake said telecommunication equipment operated with a SIM card already connected in the Cellular Mobile Operator’s Network will be exempted.

Individuals importing or bringing devices into the country via other channels have been requested to register via the TRCSL’s official website (http://www.trc.gov.lk).

“Telecom regulations vary based on the conditions of the market place due to multifaceted technological developments taking place in the telecommunication industry. Therefore, the public have been advised to purchase the telecommunication equipment operated with a SIM card from dealers who possess a vendor license issued by the TRCSL. Licensed vendors are only eligible to issue their products with a TRCSL Approved sticker. TRCSL Approved phones do not require to be re-registered with the TRCSL from tomorrow”, Senanayake said.

Customers can verify the authenticity of their TRCSL approved sticker through their vendor by sending an SMS (send SMS to 1909 after typing IMEI<15digit IMEI number>) to the TRCSL.

Oshada Senanayake said the measure is being taken to halt refurbished (fake) phones from entering Sri Lanka, as the devices emit higher radiation which is harmful to users.

Unregistered telecommunication equipment operated with SIM will be deactivated by the operator in the future, while the TRCSL will be taking measures to register such equipment, the TRCSL Director-General added.