Smartphones are among the main targets for thieves these days, and up to this point, there have been few ways to deter such theft – or to disable a smartphone when theft occurs. Fortunately, AT&T is planning to introduce a program to prevent lost devices from connecting to their network.
The Verge initially reported that the service would launch on July 10th, and posted the following screenshot leaked to them from one of their sources:
AT&T later confirmed (as announced in April) that they are indeed creating a stolen phone database, which is expected to launch next week, and provided the following statement to MacRumors:
As announced in April, AT&T is creating a stolen phone database to prevent devices reported stolen from accessing wireless networks. We will install this availability next week for AT&T phones on our network and are working toward a cross-carrier solution later this year.
The particular details of the system are unknown – but The Verge specifically highlights a section from the leaked document stating that “only the person who originated a block may request block removal”. It’s also unclear how the system will prevent abuse – like users requesting that a device be locked after a legitimate sale.
We’ll let you know more as we hear it, and will keep you updated when the database officially launches next week!