Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF 
MOBILE DEVICE THEFT PREVENTION REPORT BY 
THE FCC TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
  --
WASHINGTON, December 9, 2015 – The following statement can be attributed to FCC 
Chairman Tom Wheeler following the release of a Report on Mobile Device Theft Prevention, 
prepared by the FCC Technological Advisory Council’s Mobile Device Theft Prevention 
Working Group:
“Smart phone theft is a global problem that causes real harm in a variety of ways.  It results in the 
loss of valuable devices, it often entails physical harm to the victim of the theft, and it can lead to 
disclosure of vital and confidential personal information stored on the stolen devices.  Literally 
around the world, governments, private entities, and individuals have been raising the alarm about 
smart phone theft, but until now there has been very little in the way of solutions.  
“In a report issued earlier today, however, the FCC Technological Advisory Council’s Mobile 
Device Theft Prevention (“MDTP”) working group has risen to the challenge.  In April 2015, I 
asked the TAC to study three specific approaches to combatting smart phone theft, and the MDTP 
working group report delivers.  First, the MDTP report updates its recommended slate of on-
device theft prevention features such as giving consumer’s the default ability to remotely lock 
stolen devices and erase any data they hold.  Second, it details efforts to review and improve the 
technical security design of each device’s unique numerical identifier, in an effort to prevent 
thieves from laundering devices by giving them new numbers.  Third – and perhaps most 
significantly – it describes a clear pathway to the implementation of a single data portal to enable 
real-time assessment of whether any particular device is stolen.  
“In addition, industry has committed to continuing its partnership with the FCC in this important 
area: CTIA has committed to a consumer outreach effort to better understand consumer 
acceptance of these anti-theft capabilities and to track mobile device theft rates.  The Mobile 
Device Theft Prevention Working Group has, moreover, recommended their continuation of these 
work efforts for next year.  I would note that this group is a unique blend of key industry 
stakeholders working with law enforcement and government representatives for the interests of 
the consumer.
“While much work remains, the working group’s report establishes the critical components of a 
holistic effort to eliminate smart phone theft.  The report is the result of considerable effort on the 
part of the Technological Advisory Council and, in particular, its MDTP working group.  I am 
particularly grateful to the TAC chairman, Dennis Roberson, and the MDTP working group’s co-
chairs, Brian Daly and Rob Kubik, for their sustained commitment to this effort, and also to 
CTIA-The Wireless Association for its leading role in conceiving of an effective data portal.”
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).