Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Carriers To Help Government Block Service For Stolen Phones

The nation's top four wireless network operators have agreed to work with the Federal Communications Commission to build and maintain a database of stolen cell phones IDs. The database would be used by the network operators to deny voice and data services to stolen devices registered on the list. The impetus behind the drive to create the database is to make it difficult to use stolen phones, thereby reducing the resale value of stolen phones, and ultimately curbing the theft of mobile devices. The FCC plans to have a meeting on April 9 with U.S., state, and local government officials, including the police commissioners from major cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. The goal is to protect consumers from the growing incidences of smartphone and data theft.

No comments: