Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for acting on his proposed legislation.  The FCC proposal will require wireless phone companies to cut off service to stolen phones, rendering them worthless to thieves. Rep. Engel has already introduced legislation to accomplish this before the FCC’s requirement, and he thanked the FCC for its action. 

“This is extremely helpful to consumers to have the FCC take this action today.  While this is an effective first step towards accomplishing our goal of protecting cell phone users. I will continue my efforts to enact legislation in the Congress so that we have a change in the law.  Future administrations can always alter their agencies’ policies, so making a statuary change is a stronger option.   

“It’s simply common sense to say the victim of a crime isn’t responsible for service they are no longer receiving.  If service is cut off on a stolen phone, it just becomes a useless brick.  The motivation to threaten, or commit violence, in order to steal a phone goes away.  By cutting off service, wireless companies will greatly improve public safety,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The proposed legislation has widespread support among our nation’s police chiefs.  Nearly 70 police chiefs sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging similar action to the Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act.  These cities include New York, Washington D.C., Buffalo, and New York’s Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced new initiatives by wireless carriers, initially including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint who cover 90 percent of US subscribers, to deter theft and secure customer data:

• Implement a database to prevent use of stolen smartphones. 
• Encourage users to lock their phones with passwords. 
• Educate users on lock/locate/wipe applications. 
• Initiate a public education campaign on how to protect your smartphone and yourself. 
• Require progress benchmarks and ongoing dialog. 

The Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act would do the following:

• Create a national “negative file” or “blacklist” to be maintained by the wireless industry to record the individual ID number of a stolen device.  Companies would then cross-reference the files with the other carriers to ensure that no device reported stolen could get service from another provider.
• Require wireless carriers to develop technology allowing the customer to remotely delete their data should the device be stolen.
• Require all devices manufactured in the U.S., or imported to the U.S., to have unique ID numbers.  Most phones already do, but it is important to ensure that any duplicate ID numbers do not exist.
• Require customers victimized by theft to file a police report with their claim.
• Provide the time for companies to enact the provisions of the bill so the system will be strong and functioning in a manner which does not disrupt the service to the consumer, or create any unforeseen technical issues. 

“Police say tens of thousands of smartphones are stolen each year.  If we can substantially reduce, or prevent, these crimes with this bill, then this legislation is worthwhile,” said Rep. Engel.

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