November 2, 2003

Anti-theft phone service

The National Telecommunications Commission Republic of The Philippines, (NTC), has launched an anti-theft phone service dubbed «Text 682», according to The Manila Times.

"Through a string of short messaging service commands, Text 682 will enable mobile phone subscribers to prevent anyone from using a stolen or lost mobile phone by blocking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the phone.

The IMEI is a 15-digit code which identifies an individual GSM mobile telephone to a GSM network.

Once a mobile phone is blocked, it becomes useless even if the SIM card is replaced. Only the rightful owner can unlock the IMEI."

Other related stories and anti-cell phone-theft-schemes from around the world:

-- "Free cells = less crime"

-- SMS, a new weapon used by the police

-- Mobile Theft Prevention Campaign

emily | 11:52 AM | New SMS Services | Add this this entry to your del.icio.us bookmarks. Digg This Technorati search results for this Entry
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