Sunday, April 22, 2012
Major Cell Phone Carriers Agree to Disable Stolen Phones
Posted by Linda H on 7:38:00 AM
Wireless carriers agreed to disable stolen smartphones after pressure from U.S. regulators and a police chief who told the industry “shame on you” for not helping to stem a spike in violent robberies.
“I think I have to take that back,” Cathy Lanier, the Washington chief whose remarks were broadcast on March 22, said yesterday. “Today I say to the cell carriers, ‘Thank you.’ ”Within six months carriers are to create a national database so companies can lock out phones, tablet computers and other stolen devices, according a summary distributed by the FCC. Carriers are to urge consumers to lock phones with passwords. The FCC said it will consider writing rules if the companies fall behind schedule.
Apple Needs to Make it in America
