FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
June 14.2012
,JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Charles Schumer
United States Senate
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Schumer:
Thank you for your lettcr requcsting that the ommission look into the growing issue of
stolen smartphones. Thanks to your leadership, on April 10,2012. we werc able to announce a
broad-based. five step approach to addressing this problem. As a result of our work together and
with police commissioners and chiefs from ew York, DC, Philadelphia and other cities.
industry leaders have committed to support the PROTECTS Initiative. a five point action plan to:
• Implement a database to prevent usc of stolen smartphones. Within six months, when
Americans call their participating wireless provider and report their wireless devices stolen,
their provider will block that device from being used again. This system will be rolling out
globally using common databascs across carriers over the ncxt 18 months.
• Encourage users to lock thcir phones with passwords. Smartphonc makers will notify and
educate users in the most highly visible ways-through messages on the smartphonc itself
and through "Quick tart" user guides-about how to use passwords to dcter theft and
protect their data.
• Educatc users on lock/locate/wipe applications. Wireless providers will directly inform
their customers about how to find and use applications that cnable customer to
lock/locate/and wipe sl11artphones remotely.
• Undcrtake a public education campaign on how to protect your' smartphonc and
yourself. The wireless industry will launch a campaign. with media buys, to cducate
consumers on how to protect their smartphones and themselves fTom crime.
• Meet progress benchmarks and ongoing dialog. The wireless industry will publish
quarterly updates and submit thcm to the FCC on progress on these initiatives.
In addition, the FCC is committcd to remain vigilant in this area. We will continue to
engage the public safety community and wireless carricrs in an ongoing dialog with regular
meetings to ensure that the most effectivc technological processes are in place to deter
smartphone theft and data cxposurc. The first follow-up meeting is planncd for the cnd of June.
445 12TH 5TREET 5 W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000
Page 2-The Honorable Charles chumer
Again, thank you for raising awareness about this growing problem, and for fighting for a
solution. I am pleased we were able to work together with stakeholders for a positive outcome.
The FCC will serve as a resource on your important legislation that would make manipulation of
the handset International Mobile Equipment Number a crime.
Julius Genachowski