Carriers commit to stolen cell phone database

In an effort to cut down on phone theft, the Federal Communications Commission has teamed up with the nation's top wireless carriers to develop a database of stolen gadgets. The FCC has secured the support of the top U.S. providers - AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint - for the effort, dubbed the PROTECTS Initiative. Within six months, U.S. cell phone owners will be able to call their provider if their device is stolen and the carrier will lock it down and prevent it from being used. Within 18 months, those gadgets will be listed in a common database. The FCC will make sure the effort is being carried out and crack down on any inefficiencies. Carriers will be required to submit quarterly updates to the commission on their progress, and the FCC will meet with police chiefs on a similar schedule. In prepared remarks, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski pointed to the growing rate of cell phone-related crime. About 40 percent of robberies in Washington, D.C., New York, and other major cities now involve cell phones, he said. In D.C. alone, cell phone-related crime is up 54 percent since 2007. While at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, Genachowski said he learned that database options were working in the U.K. and elsewhere to cut down on cell phone-related crime. "With today's announcement, we're sending a message to consumers that we've got your back, and a message to criminals that we're cracking down on the stolen phone and tablet re-sale market and making smartphone theft a crime that doesn't pay," Genachowski said. The effort also involves the creation of prompts on cell phones and tablets to remind users to set up passwords and secure their devices. An education campaign will also inform users about apps that can be used to locate their devices in the event of a theft. In Congress, members are prepping legislation that would make it a federal crime to evade the database, like tampering with hardware on wireless devices. Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, has pledged to take the lead. CTIA, the wireless industry trade association, issued its support for the initiative. "Today's announcement is yet another example of our industry's continued dedication to advance public safety and enhance the security and protection of our customers," Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA, said in a statement. "By working closely with law enforcement, these four steps will help deter smartphone theft and keep America's wireless users safe." In a blog post, AT&T said it would launch a new website in the next few weeks with information about keeping your device safe. The carrier will also send emails, text messages, and bill inserts with information about securing cell phones, in addition to participating in the database.