National Equipment Identity Register System (NEIR)
neir.btrc.gov.bd
NEIR preserves international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) to make extracting information about legally imported or locally manufactured headsets easier.
NEIR Project Synopsis
Introduction to the Project
NEIR is a revolutionary system that preserves international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) to make extracting information about legally imported or locally manufactured headsets easier. By blocking illegal equipment from flooding the market, NEIR helps the government realize a higher amount of revenue and supports the sales of legally imported handsets. In short, NEIR is a win-win for everyone – protecting consumers, supporting the government, and boosting the economy.
Challenges Before Automation
Influx of Illegal Mobile Phones
Bangladesh struggled with a large number of unregistered and illegal mobile devices entering the market, evading oversight and controls.
Revenue Loss for the Government
The lack of tax compliance for these devices led to decreased government revenue, impacting the national economy.
Consumer Safety Risks
Counterfeit and substandard phones posed serious risks to users, compromising both safety and quality standards.
Lack of Centralized Tracking
The absence of a unified system allowed the proliferation of counterfeit devices, making it difficult to monitor and regulate the market.
Impact on Legitimate Businesses
Unregulated competition from illegal phones undermined lawful businesses, creating an uneven playing field in the mobile market.
Solution Overview
Project Launch
BTRC collaborated with Synesis IT, leading to the development and launch of the NEIR system in 2020.
Centralized IMEI Database
The NEIR system introduced a centralized database to preserve and monitor the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of mobile devices.
Streamlined Registration Process
The system ensures that only legally imported or locally manufactured devices can enter and sustain themselves in the market.
Market Regulation and Monitoring
By effectively tracking and regulating mobile equipment, the NEIR system curbed the proliferation of unregistered phones, ensuring compliance and market integrity.
Key Features
System Infrastructure & Maintenance
Centralized Access Control System
The NEIR provides a centralized platform for BTRC to maintain comprehensive control over mobile device access, ensuring that only authorized devices are allowed network connectivity.
System Support and Maintenance
The project includes ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the NEIR system remains operational, secure, and up-to-date with the latest technological requirements.
Operations, Maintenance & Managed Services
The NEIR system is supported by a comprehensive operations and maintenance framework, including managed services and helpdesk systems to ensure consistent performance and availability.
Integration with Multiple Databases
The NEIR is connected to all Equipment Identity Register (EIR) databases of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), the Central Biometric Verification Monitoring Platform (CBVMP), Global IMEI Database, National ID Database (NAID), and other necessary systems. This ensures comprehensive monitoring and control over mobile devices within the country.
Data Center (DC-DR) Establishment
A scalable Data Center and Disaster Recovery (DC-DR) infrastructure was established, ensuring business continuity, data security, and seamless operation of the NEIR system.
Features & Support
Procurement, Configuration & Deployment
The NEIR system's procurement, configuration, and deployment process ensured that the entire infrastructure, from software to hardware, was set up efficiently for full operational readiness.
Online User Portal
An online portal was developed to allow users to access essential NEIR services, including device registration, device blocking, complaint creation, and more. This enhances user engagement and ensures quick access to services.
365-Day Helpdesk & Support Services
A technical helpdesk center operates 24/7 throughout the year to provide troubleshooting, technical support, and assistance to BTRC, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Technology Platform
Thymeleaf
Angular
Typescript
Javascript
Spring Boot
Spring Cloud components
Oracle Enterprise Edition 64 bit
Ionic/ React Native
Core Expertise
Cyber Security
DevOps
Microservices Architructure
Impact
Enhanced Consumer Security
Consumers now enjoy a safer mobile ecosystem, as only verified devices are allowed, significantly reducing fraud and malfunction risks.
Increased Government Revenue
The project ensures proper taxation of legitimate devices, contributing to higher government revenue while effectively blocking illegal equipment from the market.
Strengthened Telecommunications Industry
By stimulating the sales of legitimate mobile handsets, NEIR promotes a healthier industry, boosting economic growth and ensuring market fairness.
Conclusion
NEIR marks a pivotal step in regulating Bangladesh’s telecommunications landscape. By addressing the critical issue of illegal devices, NEIR not only safeguards consumers but also supports government revenue and stimulates economic growth, fostering a legitimate marketplace for mobile phones.