In a move projected to be taken in favour of consumers who are not to be blamed for using handsets without valid International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, the DoT allowed COAI promoted formula of validating such handsets using software.

Such consumers will now get their handsets with a valid IMEI number for Rs.15. The software has been developed for COAI by Mobile Standards Alliance of India.

COAI has also set up 1600 centres across the country to get the software installed on to their handsets. Delhi saw the opening of such centres numbering 10 on Monday.

"We believe that most of these handsets are owned by the masses. Thus, it would be unfair and unjust to disconnect such customers as they have bought these handsets unknowingly,” said COAI, director general TV Ramachandran.

Earlier DoT had issued notification to mobile service providers against the use of such handsets by consumers and had asked it to discontinue services to such handsets.