IT100 — Introduction to the GSM Network for Mobile Phone Repair

About the Course

Before a technician can diagnose a fault or order the right replacement part, they need to genuinely understand how mobile networks and devices identify themselves. IT100 has been expanded into a complete foundation course covering GSM/LTE/5G network architecture and its evolution from 2G to 5G, frequency bands, device identification through IMEI and the Equipment Identity Register (EIR), SIM card structure and security, mobile phone categories, and the practical skill of using a device’s IMEI to source the correct repair parts — plus a first look at identifying the main components inside a dismantled smartphone.

What You Will Learn

• GSM/LTE/5G network architecture
• GSM network evolution from 2G through 5G
• Frequency bands and how they affect network compatibility
• The Equipment Identity Register (EIR), IMEI, MCC, and MNC explained
• How to find a device’s IMEI and understand its structure
• The process of gathering the correct information about a device before repair
• How to use the IMEI to identify and order the correct replacement parts
• SIM card serial number, format, capacity, and security
• Understanding mobile phone categories
• Identifying the main parts of a dismantled smartphone

Course Highlights

• A genuinely expanded foundation course — combining network theory, device identification, and a practical parts-ordering skill in one programme
• The IMEI-to-parts-ordering process is a real, immediately billable skill most technicians learn by trial and error rather than being taught properly
• Introduces the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) and MCC/MNC codes, deeper network identification detail most beginner courses skip entirely
• Includes first exposure to physical device teardown, bridging network theory into the hands-on hardware work covered later in the BT100 and IT100 series

Requirements

• Basic electronics knowledge required (BT101 or equivalent)
• Ability to read and understand English

Who Is This Course For

Technicians progressing beyond foundational electronics who want to understand mobile networks and device identification with genuine confidence — including the practical skill of correctly identifying a device and sourcing the right parts before starting any repair.

Career Outcomes & Opportunities

• Diagnose no-network and intermittent-signal faults systematically
• Correctly identify any device and its exact specification using the IMEI before ordering parts, reducing costly wrong-part orders
• Understand SIM card security and format well enough to troubleshoot SIM-related faults confidently
• Build essential theory underpinning every brand-specific repair course in the IT series

Benefits Obtained

• Take-home training manual covering GSM network theory and device identification
• Training evaluation assessment
• Microlek Certificate of Completion in GSM Network Fundamentals
• Credit toward FT100 if you later choose to enrol in the full programme