MARK PRYOR
ARKANSAS
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WASHINGTON, DC 20510
March 26, 2012
255 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUilDING
WAStlINGTON, DC 20510
(2021224-2353
500 P!lESlOENT CUNTON AVENuE
SUITE 401
lJTTLE ROCK, Aft 72201
1501) 324-6336
TOll FREE: (877}259-9602
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The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chainnan
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Chainnan Genachowski:
I write to express concern about the recent spate of cell phone thefts around the country and to
inquire about Federal Communications Commission (FCC) action or options under consideration
to deter these crimes.
As you know, in recent months, crimes involving smart phone theft have increased
exponentially, These crimes vary but generally involve violent robberies of individuals' cell
phones and subsequent resale of the stolen phones on the black market. Criminals are able to
profit from these robberies because service providers are unable to differentiate between stolen
and legitimate phones. Consequently, black market purchasers can reactivate the phones,
purchase service, and operate them nonnally. In just the past year, there have been numerous
instances of this type of crime across the country.
Last week, the Today Show highlighted a potential solution to the problem: the incorporation of
technology within the phones that would enable manufacturers and wireless providers to identify
stolen phones and prohibit the reactivation of service on these phones. Several countries have
adopted this approach in order to deter phone theft. Although seemingly simple, I have concerns
about the privacy implications of requiring tracking technology in phones. As I consider whether
legislation is necessary to prevent these crimes, I would appreciate a detailed delineation of your
views on the feasibility of this approach, as well as your assessment of alternative approaches to
deterring cell phone theft.
Thank you for taking the time to look into this maner. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mark Pryor
0408