SIST ETS 300 508 E3:2003

• Abstract:

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• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2003
• ICS: 33.070.50 - Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
• Technical Committee: SS EIT - Technical Board for the electrotechnical, information technology and telecommunications fields
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Due Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Completion Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Ref Project: ETSI ETS 300 508 ed.3 (2000-07) - Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) (GSM); International Mobile station Equipment Identities (IMEI) (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)

Overview

SIST ETS 300 508 E3:2003 specifies the use and management of International Mobile station Equipment Identities (IMEI) within Phase 2 of the digital cellular telecommunications system, specifically for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) networks. Produced by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) and aligned with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), this standard outlines the concept, assignment, composition, and essential functions of IMEI numbers as unique identifiers for mobile station equipment in GSM systems.

The document addresses the administrative and technical need to track, authenticate, and manage mobile equipment across networks. By defining how IMEI numbers are structured and used, the standard enhances network security, helps prevent misuse of stolen or unauthorized devices, and supports regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• IMEI Purpose and Requirement

  • IMEI is a unique number assigned to each GSM mobile equipment, enabling individual device identification regardless of subscriber identity.
  • Mobile equipment manufacturers must implement IMEI unconditionally and ensure its resistance to tampering during and after production.

• IMEI Structure

  • The IMEI is a 14-digit code, complemented by a check digit (using the Luhn formula) to prevent manual input errors, especially when reporting lost or stolen devices.
  • The structure enables quick identification of both the device type and its origin.

• Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

  • Networks use centralized lists - white, grey, and black - to manage device legitimacy.
    • White List: Permitted device identities.
    • Black List: Devices barred from the network, often due to being reported stolen or non-compliant.
    • Grey List: Devices under observation but not barred.

• IMEI Validation

  • The network validates the IMEI at device registration or during calls.
  • Devices on the black list or unknown to the network are denied service, except for emergency calls.

• Software Version Number (SVN)

  • An associated SVN field (2 digits) tracks the software version of each device, enhancing device traceability and ensuring compatibility with network requirements.

Applications

• Device Authentication and Tracking

  • IMEI ensures that only authorized, compliant equipment operates on GSM networks, reducing fraud and discouraging the use of counterfeit or illegally obtained devices.
  • Network operators rely on IMEI to trace device origin and production, supporting both operational management and law enforcement efforts.

• Network Integrity and Security

  • Administrative control via the EIR helps networks block or monitor devices that pose security risks or do not meet technical standards.
  • The IMEI mechanism plays a key role in preventing and mitigating the impact of stolen mobile devices, as unauthorized devices can be immediately denied network access.

• Support for Emergency Services

  • Systems allow emergency calls from any device, but IMEI tracking ensures that misuse (such as malicious or fraudulent calls) can be identified and addressed.

• Regulatory and Market Compliance

  • Telecommunications regulators reference this standard to ensure that national and international mobile device markets comply with best practices for equipment identification and security.

Related Standards

• GSM 03.03 (ETS 300 523): Defines numbering, addressing, and identification systems within GSM, including IMEI structure.
• GSM 02.17 (ETS 300 509): Details subscriber identity module (SIM) functional characteristics.
• ISO/IEC 7812: International standard for identification card numbering systems, referenced for IMEI check digit calculation.
• GSM 01.04 (ETR 100): Covers definitions, abbreviations, and acronyms used in GSM specifications.

Implementing the guidelines of SIST ETS 300 508 E3:2003 helps network operators, equipment manufacturers, and regulators ensure secure, interoperable, and reliable digital cellular communications.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
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PRELOQHSRVWDMH,0(,*60UD]OLþLFD
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2); International Mobile station
Equipment Identities (IMEI) (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETS 300 508 Edition 3
ICS:
33.070.50 Globalni sistem za mobilno Global System for Mobile
telekomunikacijo (GSM) Communication (GSM)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN ETS 300 508
TELECOMMUNICATION July 2000
STANDARD Third Edition
Source: ETSI TC-SMG Reference: RE/SMG-010216P2
ICS: 33.060.20
Key words: Digital cellular telecommunications system, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)
R
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2);
International Mobile station Equipment Identities (IMEI)
(GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETSI Secretariat
Postal address: F-06921 Sophia Antipolis CEDEX - FRANCE
Office address: 650 Route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis - Valbonne - FRANCE
Internet: [e-mail] - http://www.etsi.org
Tel.:[phone]- Fax:[phone]
Copyright Notification: No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission. The copyright and the
foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.
© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2000. All rights reserved.

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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation and publication of this document, errors in content,
typographical or otherwise, may occur. If you have comments concerning its accuracy, please write to
"ETSI Standards Making Support Dept." at the address shown on the title page.

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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
Contents
Foreword.5
0 Introduction.7
0.1 Scope.7
0.2 Normative references .7
0.3 Definitions and abbreviations.7
1 Not used .7
2 General.7
3 Composition of IMEI.8
4 Use of the equipment identity register.8
5 Procedure.8
6 Use of IMEI in case of emergency calls .8
7 MS Software Version Number (SVN).9
Annex A (normative): IMEI Check Digit computation .10
A.1 Representation of IMEI.10
A.2 Computation of CD for an IMEI .10
A.3 Example of computation.10
History.12

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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
Foreword
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) has been produced by the Special Mobile Group
(SMG) Technical Committee of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
This ETS defines the principle purpose and use of International Mobile station Equipment Identities (IMEI)
within the European digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) and corresponds to GSM
technical specification GSM 02.16 version 4.5.0.
The specification from which this ETS has been derived was originally based on CEPT documentation,
hence the presentation of this ETS may not be entirely in accordance with the ETSI/PNE rules.
Reference is made within this ETS to GSM-TSs (NOTE).
NOTE: TC-SMG has produced documents which give the technical specifications for the
implementation of the European digital cellular telecommunications system.
Historically, these documents have been identified as GSM Technical Specifications
(GSM-TSs). These TSs may have subsequently become I-ETSs (phase 1), or ETSs
(Phase 2), whilst others may become ETSI Technical Reports (ETRs). GSM-TSs are,
for editorial reasons, still referred to in GSM ETSs.
Transposition dates
Date of adoption of this ETS: 16 June 2000
Date of latest announcement of this ETS (doa): 30 September 2000
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this ETS (dop/e): 31 March 2001
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 31 March 2001

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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
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ETS 300 508: July 2000 (GSM 02.16 version 4.6.1)
0 Introduction
0.1 Scope
The purpose of this specification is to define the principal purpose and use of International Mobile station
Equipment Identities (IMEI).
The specification GSM 03.03 describes the technical manner of numbering, addressing and identification.
0.2 Normative references
This ETS incorporates by dated and undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications
apply to this ETS only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
[1] GSM 01.04 (ETR 100): "European digital cellular telecommunication system
(Phase 2); Definitions, abbreviations and acronyms".
[2] GSM 02.17 (ETS 300 509): "European digital cellular telecommunication system
(Phase 2); Subscriber identity modules Functional characteristics".
[3] GSM 03.03 (ETS 300 523): "European digital cellular telecommunication system
(Phase 2); Numbering, addressing and identification".
[4] ISO/IEC 7812 (1989): "Identification cards - Numbering system and registration
procedure for issuer identifiers".
0.3 Definitions and abbreviations
In addition to the following, abbreviations used in this specification are listed in GSM 01.04.
International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI)
- An "International Mobile Station Equipment Identity" is a unique number which shall be allocated to
each individual mo
...