Türkiye to Block Unregistered Dual IMEI Devices by May 1
Mobile phone users in Türkiye face a critical deadline of May 1, 2026, to register imported dual-SIM devices or risk disconnection from mobile networks. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) is enforcing strict regulations to combat the systematic misuse of IMEI numbers, where users allegedly exploited dual-SIM functionality to bypass import limits. Under current rules, individuals may register only one imported phone per passport every three years. Devices identified with irregular or unauthorized IMEI activity will be blocked from voice and data services unless a registration fee of TL 54,258 ($1,212) is paid before the cutoff. The BTK began monitoring these irregularities on January 1, 2026, and provided a 120-day grace period for compliance, during which affected users were notified via SMS. This crackdown aims to curb revenue losses, ensure compliance with import laws, and close loopholes associated with eSIM and dual-SIM configurations. After May 1, unregistered devices will be fully disconnected across all mobile networks in Türkiye, marking a significant tightening of regulatory enforcement against illegal device usage.
Wire timeline
Türkiye to Block Unregistered Dual IMEI Devices by May 1
Mobile phone users in Türkiye face a critical deadline of May 1, 2026, to register imported dual-SIM devices or risk disconnection from mobile networks. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) is enforcing strict regulations to combat the systematic misuse of IMEI numbers, where users allegedly exploited dual-SIM functionality to bypass import limits. Under current rules, individuals may register only one imported phone per passport every three years. Devices identified with irregular or unauthorized IMEI activity will be blocked from voice and data services unless a registration fee of TL 54,258 ($1,212) is paid before the cutoff. The BTK began monitoring these irregularities on January 1, 2026, and provided a 120-day grace period for compliance, during which affected users were notified via SMS. This crackdown aims to curb revenue losses, ensure compliance with import laws, and close loopholes associated with eSIM and dual-SIM configurations. After May 1, unregistered devices will be fully disconnected across all mobile networks in Türkiye, marking a significant tightening of regulatory enforcement against illegal device usage.
dailysabah