I know this thread hasnt been used for a while, but i was reading and thought this question was relevant.
If the IMEI is used to track / trace and block the phone, how can a provider know whether the IMEI has been changed on the phone ?
For instance, a terrorist or thief has aquired the phone, they substitute the IMEI with one from a disused or broken phone, is there a preventative measure in place for this ?