As mobile phone theft has increased significantly in recent years, by taking advices from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and recommendations from the chief of police from big cities in America, several top mobile operators including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, have agreed to build a national database. This agreement was established in early April 2012. This was also with the help of the wireless trade association (CTIA).
As it passed the deadline on October 31, 2012, only two major mobile operators that provide GSM equipment and mobile devices in America including, AT&T and T-Mobile, will start compiling database to block those stolen phones. Other mobile carriers that are using CDMA technology including Verizon and Sprint will introduce their database very soon. With the new technology of 4G LTE, all carriers had been informed to setup the database by the end of November 2013.
The new generation of mobile devices produced by manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Nokia, HTC, Motorola, have been attached with IMEI number. This is a unique identification number which is similar to VIN number on vehicles. Although thieves can switch SIM card, however, the IMEI numbers will always remain with the phone.
After all mobile carriers have settled with their databases, the wireless trade association (CTIA) will combine them under one system. The unified system can be accessed by mobile phone operators in America, foreign mobile operators and law enforcement officers. By using the database police can easily track any cell phones that were reported stolen or lost. All stolen devices cannot be activated anywhere in the world including in America or in a foreign country.
(Image: CTIA logo)
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