PCMag.com:
By Chloe Albanesius
The top wireless carriers on Wednesday launched a database of stolen phones that is intended to prevent the devices from being used by the thief on U.S. networks.
CTIA, the trade group that represents the wireless carriers, confirmed that the big four - T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon - have all activated their databases.
Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission teamed up with the nation's top wireless carriers to develop a database of stolen gadgets. The idea is that 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. Those gadgets will then be listed in a common database.
The initiative called on providers to activate by Oct. 31 a database that would prevent smartphones reported as stolen from being activated.
MORE
By Chloe Albanesius
The top wireless carriers on Wednesday launched a database of stolen phones that is intended to prevent the devices from being used by the thief on U.S. networks.
CTIA, the trade group that represents the wireless carriers, confirmed that the big four - T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon - have all activated their databases.
Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission teamed up with the nation's top wireless carriers to develop a database of stolen gadgets. The idea is that 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. Those gadgets will then be listed in a common database.
The initiative called on providers to activate by Oct. 31 a database that would prevent smartphones reported as stolen from being activated.
MORE