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> Can any one please explain What is ciphering and why is it required?
> Thanks
> With warm regards,
> DD
>

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>That'a what Jethro Bodine did when asked how old he was!
>
>"dd" <duttdharm@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:1118401998.677687.25730@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>

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>On Fri, 10 Jun 2005 06:53:42 -0500, "dg" <dgaddes1@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>The data being transmitted from the BTS to the Phone and back is
>enciphered. This is to prevent 'snoopers' from capturing the ID. In
>the days of AMPS phones, it was aquite easy to acquire IMEI numbers
>right off the air, clone them, and start making calls which are
>charged to the original owner. This lead to authentication, and in
>GSM, the ID details from the SIM, not being transmitted over the air.
>
>It also prevents people from simplyh listening to cell phone
>converations, as could easily be done with AMPS phones.
>
>The ciphering is nothing to get overly excited about. I figure the NSA
>could break the codes in a second or two, but it will certain
>discourage the average listener from getting anywhere!