While Chinese brand Xiaomi was to be included in the Cellphone Registry Scheme after Norouz (the Iranian New Year starting March 21), Iran’s communication ombudsman announced on Sunday that the mobile brand will be included in the scheme before the yearend.
Xiaomi, along with brands such as Tecno and Sony, will be subject to the scheme by March 17, Communications Regulatory Authority’s website reported.
Aimed at curbing cellphone smuggling, the ICT Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, CRA and the Industries Ministry created the Cellphone Registry Scheme that bars local operators from offering services to contraband phones.
Xiaomi Inc. is a privately owned Chinese electronics and software company based in Beijing. It is the world’s fourth largest smartphone maker.
Founded in 2010, it designs, develops and sells smartphones, mobile apps, wearables, smart home devices and other related consumer electronics. Its handsets are vastly popular with Iran’s midrange smartphone buyers.
Major Iranian mobile operator, Hamrah-e-Avval or MCI, distributes Xiaomi products in the country.
The scheme has already resulted in substantial revenue for the government. Customs statistics indicate a 96% year-on-year increase in cellphone imports in terms of value.
The true impact of the scheme cannot be judged until after the Iranian New Year when Samsung, which holds over 50% of the mobile market in Iran, joins the Cellphone Registry Scheme.
All mobile brands were expected to be included in the scheme by March, the Telecoms Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi postponed the implementation of the scheme for Samsung, HTC and some other brands until after Norouz holidays (April 2), saying they can better supervise the market then.
The scheme currently applies to Apple, Motorola, Blackberry, Google Pixel, LG, Nokia and Huawei.
