Can a handset be tracked and traced??

flyer

Can phone companies track a handset if it is being used with a different SIM card?

LeeSouthEast

Basically, yes. The IMEI will remain the same with a different sim.

Jon_01

But they won't tell you where it is, that would break the data protection act.

Also, I don't think that all the networks frontline staff have software that would allow them to track by IMEI.

You'd also have to call every network as only the network it was active on would have a log of the IMEI.

So, all in all, not a lot of use really. . .

LeeSouthEast

Depends at what level of paranoia the OP is operating at.

If he's trying to track his own lost/stolen phone, game over. Report it stolen and Immobilise it. If you're trying to hide from the police or security services, then it's best to stick to dead drops.

flyer

I lost the phone but not the SIM and am just wondering if its worth bothering telling Orange.

joeypesci

Yes if you lost the phone and have the IMEI number tell Orange. They'll be, I think, I could be wrong, able to bar the phone if it's being used on the Orange network that is.

LeeSouthEast

Orange will immobilise it across ALL networks.