U.S. Wireless Industry Announces Steps to Help Deter Smartphone Thefts and Protect Consumer Data

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association®, together with participating wireless companies, today announced they worked with the federal government and law enforcement to develop four steps to help deter smartphone thefts and protect consumer data. These four voluntary industry commitments by CTIA and our participating members will effectively address this issue while continuing to evolve as new wireless products and services become available.

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The four steps are:

1. Implement databases to prevent reactivation of stolen smartphones. Wireless providers will work to initiate, implement and deploy database solutions, using unique smartphone identifying numbers, designed to prevent smartphones reported by their customers as stolen from being activated and/or provided service on their own networks. Using unique GSM smartphone identifying numbers, GSM providers will develop and deploy a database designed to prevent GSM smartphones reported as stolen from being activated or provided service. By October 31, 2012, U.S. GSM providers will implement this database so that stolen GSM smartphones will not work on any U.S. GSM network. In addition, U.S. providers will create a common database for LTE smartphones designed to prevent smartphones that are reported stolen by consumers from being activated or provided service on any LTE network in the U.S. and on appropriate international LTE stolen mobile smartphone databases. This database will be completed by November 30, 2013.

2(A). Notify consumers of features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords. By April 30, 2013, smartphone makers will implement a system to notify/inform users via the new smartphones upon activation or soon after of its capability of being locked and secured from unauthorized access by setting a password.  

2(B). Educate consumers about features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords. By December 31, 2012, smartphone makers will include information on how to secure/lock new smartphones in-box and/or through online "Quick Start" or user guides.

3. Educate consumers about applications to remotely lock/locate/erase data from smartphones. Wireless providers will inform consumers, using communications including email or text messages, about the existence of – and access to – applications that can lock/locate/erase data from smartphones. Providers will also educate consumers on how to access these applications, including those that are easy-to-find and preloaded onto smartphones. Substantial progress on this will be made by December 31, 2012; it will be completed by April 30, 2013.  

4. Educate consumers about smartphone theft, protections and preventative measures. By July 1, 2012, the wireless industry will launch an education campaign for consumers on the safe use of smartphones and highlight the solutions one through three by using a range of resources, including a public service announcement and online tools such as websites and social media.

"CTIA and its members have always been strong advocates for the safety and protection of America's wireless users. Today's announcement is yet another example of our industry's continued dedication to advance public safety and enhance the security and protection of our customers. By working closely with law enforcement, these four steps will help deter smartphone theft and keep America's wireless users safe," said Steve Largent, President and CEO, CTIA-The Wireless Association.

Beginning June 30, 2012, CTIA will publish quarterly updates on its website and submit a copy to the Federal Communications Commission, detailing progress, benchmarking milestones and indicating completion by industry and provider of the following deliverables: implementation of databases, information about applications to locate/lock/erase data from smartphones and efforts to educate consumers about smartphone theft, protections and preventative measures. 

For more information, please visit: www.ctia.org

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association