In order to help customers to track their phones when stolen or lost, telecom service provider MTNL on 5th April, 2008 launched the Lost Mobile Tracking System, software which they can download and install for free.
This can be downloaded from MTNL through GPRS and can be installed on almost 250 models of mobile phones.
The software after installation, stores the IMEI number of the phone, IMEI is a unique number that identifies each mobile phone, as well as the SIM Card number being used by the customer. The software then asks the user to provide an alternative phone number and e-mail address which is stored.
If the phone is stolen and a new SIM card is being used, the software immediately sends an email or SMS alerting the customers that the phone has been stolen and where it is presently. It also informs the original customer about the phone number if the new user. MTNL is providing the service to its users at a cost of Rs. 30 a month.