CTIA-The Wireless Association® Releases Public Service Announcement Video to Help Educate Consumers on How to Protect Themselves if Their Smartphones are Lost or Stolen

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Nov 27, 2012, 12:29 ET

PSA video is a light-hearted reminder to consumers to use their smartphones' features and apps to remote lock, track and erase

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association® today released the wireless industry's public service announcement (PSA) video to remind consumers to use their smartphones' features and apps to remote lock, track and erase in case the devices are lost or stolen. As part of the industry's continued education campaign, the PSA takes a light-hearted approach in reminding consumers about the features and apps currently available. The segment will be delivered to television stations across the country along with information reminding consumers about their smartphones' features and apps, such as passwords and remote locking, locating or erasing in the event the devices are lost or stolen, and are also posted to CTIA's "Before You Lose It" website (http://beforeyouloseit.org).

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In April 2012, CTIA and the participating wireless companies, along with FCC and law enforcement officials, announced four voluntary steps the wireless industry would take to help deter smartphone thefts and protect consumer data. Among the four steps were establishing databases, including databases designed to prevent smartphones that were reported as stolen from being activated or provided service in the U.S. by October 31, 2012. CTIA was pleased to announce the participating wireless providers met this deadline. The participating providers are working to meet the November 30, 2013 deadline for the development of an LTE database. Besides the PSA video, wireless companies and CTIA have individually and collectively conducted a number of education campaigns. The details, including individual company initiatives, are available on CTIA's "Before You Lose It" website.

"CTIA and its member companies have always been advocates for wireless users' safety, which is why we're pleased our members met the voluntary deadline for the database and to release our latest consumer education efforts via the video and website. Today's average wireless user stores a lot of personal information on their mobile devices, such as pictures, video, banking and other sensitive data. It's important consumers know that by taking some simple precautions such as downloading a few apps, they can protect their information from unauthorized users," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA.

"Consumer awareness is a key component of our effort to combat the rising trend of stolen mobile devices, and I want to thank CTIA for their leadership on this issue. I urge consumers to be as smart as their smartphones – use pins, passwords and apps to protect personal data on smartphones and tablets in case they are stolen," said Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

About CTIA:
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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SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association