CTIA-The Wireless Association® Announces Wireless Providers Completed Final Deadline to Create a Database for Stolen 4G/LTE Devices

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --In April 2012, CTIA, FCC and police chiefs from major cities announced a four step plan to help deter smartphone thefts. As each deadline approached, the participating wireless companies met the requirements within the time limit. The final step of the plan, due November 30, 2013, was to create a database for 4G/LTE in the U.S., and when possible, integrate with international databases.

Please attribute the following to CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent:

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"Today, I am pleased to confirm that the global, multi-carrier, common database for LTE smartphones has been finalized and implemented in advance of the November 30, 2013 deadline. The matter of stolen devices is extremely important to the wireless providers, which is why they worked so hard over the last year to meet each deadline on time. As more countries and more carriers around the world participate in the 3G and 4G/LTE databases, criminals will have fewer outlets since these stolen phones would be blacklisted and could not be reactivated.

"Another important element to stopping stolen phones is consumers. To assist users, we offer a list of apps to download that will remotely erase, track and/or lock the stolen devices. We also remind consumers to pay attention to their surroundings. Similar to your purse or wallet, it's best to not call attention to your smartphone and create an opportunity for a thief to steal it (e.g., leave it on a restaurant table, use it while walking or taking public transportation, allowing strangers to 'borrow' it to get directions, etc.).                         

"We continue to believe that combating stolen cellphones will require a comprehensive effort.  We encourage consumers to use currently available apps and features that would remotely wipe, track and lock their devices in case they are lost or stolen, and our members are continuing to explore and offer new technologies. We also strongly support and need Senator Schumer's legislation to pass that would impose tough penalties on those who steal devices or modify them illegally since it would help dry up the market for those who traffic in stolen devices. We also need more foreign countries and carriers to participate in the global stolen phone database to prevent criminals from selling stolen devices internationally.

"By working together with everyone – from the wireless companies, law enforcement, policymakers and consumers – we will make a difference."

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.

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Press Contact: Amy Storey, [email protected], 202-736-3207

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association

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