Statement by Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC, commending the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), has issued the following statement:

"Today, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) unveiled a series of initiatives to combat the black market for lost or stolen cellphones. On behalf of the CRTC, I would like to congratulate Bernard Lord, President and CEO of the CWTA, for having rallied the wireless industry around this important issue.

The CRTC has been concerned for some time about reports of an increase in crimes involving lost or stolen cellphones. The creation of a database to keep track of devices that have been lost or stolen, and collaboration within the industry to ensure they are not reactivated, will help to make cellphones less desirable to thieves. I would strongly encourage the industry to implement the database before September 2013 to ensure Canadians benefit from this added protection as soon as possible.

We look forward to receiving further details at the end of November about the CWTA's plan, including data on lost and stolen cellphones in Canada, as well as its other activities related to this issue. This information will enable the CRTC to decide how best to support the industry in its efforts."

Links:
www.protectyourdata.ca
CRTC correspondence with the CWTA

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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