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  • Definitions
  • RAM Services
  • Local SIM
  • Roaming Mobile Devices
  • Stolen/Lost Mobile Devices
  • Counterfeit Devices
  • Technical Assistance

RAM is the central register of mobile devices established in DRC.

The objectives of RAM are to:
• Effectively block counterfeit mobile devices by disconnecting all devices identified as non-compliant.
• Combat the theft of mobile devices by blocking devices declared stolen or lost.
• Optimize the security and quality of the mobile service networks on the national territory.

Any equipment with a SIM card having transmission and reception with mobile telephone networks:
• Phones
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• USB modems, routers and dongles
• Connection devices for Machine2Machine telemetry or remote control services.

The IMEI is the acronym for "International Mobile Equipment Identity”. It is a unique 15-digit number that allows the operator to identify the mobile device. A Unique IMEI can only be located on an original mobile phone.

By dialing * # 06 # on the keypad of an original device, a series of fifteen digits appears. The IMEI number can also be found on the back of the device, under the battery, on the box label, or on the purchase receipt. Keep it safe, it might come handy!

The SIM card is a small smart card that fits into the mobile device. The e-SIM is a physical SIM card permanently integrated into the device.

It is the unique number that allows a GSM, UMTS or LTE mobile telephone network type to identify a user.

It is the "publicly known" number of the mobile network user. This identifier is more commonly referred to as the telephone number.

A counterfeit device does not meet the international standards; it threatens the public health since it contains high amounts of lead, and it escapes payments due to the government.

RAM allows users to:
• Block their phone if it is stolen or lost, and unblock the telephone if it is located.
• Know the compliance of a device to determine if it is counterfeit or not.
• Connect to a WIFI connection on different sites equipped with RAM hotspots.

• To find out the status of their device (whether it is original or counterfeit)
• To have the possibility of blocking it in case it has been stolen or lost.

There is no need to register, all operational devices connected to the national network are automatically identified and registered in RAM.

September 24th, 2020.

The procedure is the same for everybody since the device is identified automatically regardless of its owner.

To verify the status of the device by sending an SMS with 15 digits of the IMEI to 470 free of charge, by consulting the USSD *470# or the website https://www.ram. cd/verifier.aspx. If the device is identified as non-compliant, it is recommended not to buy it. If the mobile is already in use, it will stop working after September 23, 2022.

If the device is original, the IMEI number is subject to registration fees. However, if it is counterfeit the SIM card (s) will be subject to the registration fee.

To connect to a WIFI RAM, a user should:
• Go to a site equipped with WIFI RAM (UNIKIN, KITAMBO Store, UPN, IBTP, ISTA, N'DJILI International Airport, IFASIC, ISP Gombe…).
• Open the WIFI connection on the device and choose the RAM access point.
• Wait 10 seconds for the activation and click the "Connect" button.

The RAM WIFI connection has unlimited validity. Just redo the connection procedure each time you want to access it.

Any counterfeit device connected to the mobile network in the DRC may be used for a period of 24 months from the launch date, until September 23, 2022 inclusive. No counterfeit devices will be operational in the DRC as from September 24, 2022.

Yes, if the device has not been reported stolen or lost.

No, only devices equipped with a SIM card or equipped with an e-SIM are supported by the RAM.

Any user roaming internationally in the DRC with a mobile device is subject to the same conditions as a device used locally. Once connected to the local network, the IMEI number is saved in RAM.

Roaming devices work as local devices. Refer to the website to verify your device and to check when it will no longer be operational.

Only the proven owner of the device can request to block a device by following this procedure:
• The subscriber must go to the mobile operator with the IMEI number and a valid identity document to report the loss or theft of the device.
• The operator then verifies the identity of the user.
• The operator validates the request and applies the IMEI blocking of the lost or stolen phone according to the established RAM procedure.
• 30 minutes before blocking, an SMS is sent to the last phone number used on the device to notify the user of the status of the device.
• If the blocking procedure is interrupted before the 30-minutes period expires, an SMS is sent to the last telephone number used on the device to notify the user.
• The block request is only processed if the device is original.

No, the operator must verify the user's identity in person before requesting the device to be blocked on RAM. The device is blocked only if it is original. Blocking a device can be done nationwide through all operators and works for the entire territory. If the device is counterfeit, the operator is only able to stop the SIM card but cannot block the device.

To unblock a stolen or lost device, the user must:
• Go to the operator with the IMEI number and a valid identity document to inform them that the device is found.
• Only the operator can unblock or request RAM to unblock the phone.
• The unblock request is only processed if the device complies with the standards.
• Once the device's IMEI number is unblocked, an SMS is sent to the last used phone number on the device to notify the user of the device's status.
• The user can contact the operator for more information.

Before buying a mobile device, it is recommended to check the IMEI of the device on the website www.ram.cd or by SMS. If the response indicates that the IMEI does not comply with the standards. It is therefore recommended not to purchase it.

A multi-SIM device is a device that has several SIM card slots and therefore several IMEI numbers. This means that several SIM cards can be connected to the network on this device at the same time.

A user who register a multi-SIM phone will be able to block all IMEIs at the same time if their phone is lost or stolen.
The IMEI number is a unique number that identifies a mobile device. A multi-SIM device has several IMEIs.
The website www.ram.cd has a page dedicated to registering the IMEIs of original multi-SIM devices. Go to https://www.ram.cd/Services-Register-Multi-SIM.aspx and provide the following information:
• IMEI1, IMEI2, etc.
• Number 1, number 2, etc.
• Click on “Register” to complete the operation.
Please note that this operation is only valid for original devices.

The user must check the conformity of the device by verifying the IMEI number on https://www.ram.cd/verifier.aspx, or by sending an SMS to 470, or with USSD *470#.

A counterfeit device threatens public health and is illegal. As their numbers increase significantly in the local market, blocking counterfeit devices would help improve the quality of the communication and curb fraudulent importation.

It will block the access of counterfeit devices to local networks after 24 months from the launch of the project (see question: What would be the lifetime of counterfeit devices in the DRC).

If you would like more information and/or technical assistance, please send an email to info@ram.cd or fill out the form in "Contact us" at https://www.ram.cd/Contacts.aspx.