IMEI Lock on Managed Private APN - How does it work?

By using the IMEI lock feature, a SIM will only allow pooled APN data to be consumed if it is in that specific device.

If the SIM is placed in any other device it will not connect to the Managed APN.

What is an IMEI?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique numeric identifier, for cellular mobile devices. It is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. GSM networks use the IMEI number to identify valid devices, and can stop a stolen phone from accessing the network.

How does IMEI lock work?

Once a SIM has been provisioned on the Managed APN and connects to the SIMcontrol platform, the latest IMEI is displayed on the SIM Profile. This feature is available on Vodacom or MTN SIMs on the Managed Private APN service.

To lock the SIM to this IMEI, move the selector button to "Locked". (For bulk IMEI lock requests please contact our support team).

If the SIM connects to the Managed APN from a differently IMEI, it will not be allowed to consume any data and will not be able to connect. At present there is no alerting function on IMEI changes, but if a SIM can not connect due to the IMEI lock, the session data will display an error

IMEI Unlocked:

IMEI Locked:

IMEI Locked - Authorisation Rejected Session

Important: Public APN Data
Keep in mind that IMEI lock will block SIMs from consuming data from private APN data only. The SIM can still access Public APNs if it has a normal data bundle or airtime available, and if Public APN's have not been de-provisioned.

SIMs can be de-provisioned for the public APN on request.