Analysis of Call Data & Billing Records

Information relating to mobile handset use is held in three formats:

The Account Billing

This is produced by the service provider with whom the customer is contracted. This information is derived from the wholesale billing systems of the mobile network operator, which gives the service provider the date and time of each call, the number called and the duration. The service provider will manipulate this data to meet his own billing format and requirements and insert the call cost. The customer, with a contract account, will receive a bill from the service provider showing the time and date of each call, the number called, the duration and the cost.

Call Detailed Records (CDR)

This information is available only from the mobile network operators and shows the information from the account billing plus information on the cell sites used during these calls.

Enhanced Call Detailed Records (ECDR)

Again, only available from the network operators. Some network operators produce ECDRs which show all the previous information, plus the address and postcode of the cell site from a single database. Others require a search of separate systems. Other information such as the handset IMEI is also available.

Enhanced call detailed records are fundamental to each and every case where the accurate mapping of cell site coverage is required. Mobile network operators hold this detailed information for at least 12 months so it is essential to make the application for this data as soon as is practically possible.

Forensic Mobile will advise which format is most appropriate for each individual case.

Analysis of the Call Detail Records can indicate association of individual handset numbers, geographical location of handset use, specific handset and SIM card pairings, incoming and outgoing calls, date, time and duration of calls.

How is the data obtained?

The Lawful acquisition and disclosure of communications data for law enforcement agencies is governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Most service providers will supply call data for a solicitor's client if the telephone has been registered in the client's name during the relevant period and if the records still exist. Such requests are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Service providers will only reveal for solicitors information calls made or received by unregistered clients if a witness summons or Court Order has been obtained.