Canadian wireless industry takes on smartphone theft

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Canada’s wireless carriers today announced a new iniative to combat smartphone and tablet theft. Starting next September, carriers will block service to devices identified as being stolen. Essentially, GSM or LTE wireless devices reported stolen will have their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number blackflagged and will be denied cellular service.

“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.”

The CWTA also announced the launch of a new consumer information website (in English and French) and the first in a series of broadcast public service announcements to help Canadians protect their data as well as their devices.

The new service is a good first step. Unfortunately, it does not prevent criminals from reactivating stolen devices in other countries. Hopefully other countries will follow suit soon to make it harder to do something like this.

Canadian carriers will launch the new service by September 13th 2013.

Read more: Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association