GSMA Position Supporting the Regional Front to Combat the Theft of Mobile Terminal Equipment

The ability to remain connected is highly valued. Unfortunately, there are people who play on the aspirations of those who don’t yet own a mobile phone, or others who would like a cut-price upgrade, by feeding a black market in handsets obtained through mugging and street crime. Several stakeholders in a number of countries and regions around the world are concerned at the increasing incidence of aggravated theft targeted at mobile users. This briefing paper, prepared for the Organization of American States, provides an overview of the issue and strategies to combat mobile handset theft.