Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has postponed the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to January 1, shifting from the earlier date of December 16. The decision, announced in a BTRC press release on Monday, aims to give mobile phone traders additional time to register unsold or stocked imported handsets in the system.

According to BTRC sources, many retailers have yet to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data for their devices, prompting the extension. The commission has requested all mobile phone traders to send the required information in a specified Microsoft Excel format to neir@btrc.gov.bd by December 31.

The NEIR system is designed to curb mobile phone theft and illegal handset use by tracking IMEI numbers nationwide. Once operational, it will help authorities block unauthorized or cloned devices from accessing mobile networks, enhancing consumer protection and national security.