OTTAWA – Wireless carriers are taking action to create a national system in Canada that would blacklist lost or stolen smartphones and keep them from being reactivated.
Until now when a phone was reported lost or stolen carriers would suspend service to the device. But there were no measures in place to stop the person who stole it, or bought it from the thief, from reactivating the phone under a new account.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Canada's wireless carriers are pledging to assist law enforcement agencies with their efforts to combat the theft of wireless devices. By September 30, 2013, the authorization of any GSM or LTE wireless device on any Canadian network will include verification that the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of the device has not been reported lost or stolen on any Canadian network, as well as some international networks that are available in the GSMA IMEI database.
The new device verification process, which will deny service to any device that is on the GSMA "blacklist," is designed to help eliminate the black market for stolen devices in Canada and abroad by reducing the value of smartphones in the eyes of criminals says the CWTA.
"After comprehensive study, Canada's wireless industry today is announcing what it believes is the best solution to help keep Canadians safe from cell phone theft," said CWTA President & CEO Bernard Lord. "And with U.S. wireless carriers following Canada's planned implementation by completing similar international database measures by November 2013, customers across North America will benefit from this added level of protection."
CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais congratulated the CWTA for having “rallied the wireless industry around this important issue,” but urged the association to implement its solution more quickly.
“The creation of a database to keep track of devices that have been lost or stolen, and collaboration within the industry to ensure they are not reactivated, will help to make cellphones less desirable to thieves. I would strongly encourage the industry to implement the database before September 2013 to ensure Canadians benefit from this added protection as soon as possible.”
He added that the Commission looks forward to receiving further details at the end of November about the CWTA's plan, including data on lost and stolen cellphones in Canada, as well as its other activities related to this issue. “This information will enable the CRTC to decide how best to support the industry in its efforts."
CWTA is aso launching a consumer information website and the first in a series of broadcast public service announcements focused on reminding Canadians of the critical importance of protecting the data on their smartphones. The new bilingual website – www.ProtectYourData.ca (www.Protegezvosdonnees.ca) – is designed to act as a hub of resources for Canadians to educate themselves about how to secure their data, as well as how to help protect themselves from becoming a victim of device theft.
"Our Government has taken concrete actions to build a strong and competitive telecommunications sector and I welcome this step by industry to address the serious problem of cell phone theft," said Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "We will continue to work with industry to protect Canadian consumers and deliver more choice through greater competition."
It is imperative that customers contact their service provider to immediately report a lost or stolen phone to have their device deactivated. Once the device has been reported, the service provider can then add the device to the blacklist. All instances of personal theft should of course be reported to local law enforcement as well.
"The loss or theft of a wireless device can have many implications," said Lord. "At best, it can be a costly nuisance, and at worst, it can have serious repercussions related to one's personal information and safety."
