TMCnet News

Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan on CTIA Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment, Kill Switch Solution
[April 15, 2014]

Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan on CTIA Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment, Kill Switch Solution


(PR Web Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) April 15, 2014 Today the CTIA published a press release, April 15, offering the wireless industries voluntary solution to the "Kill Switch" debate for smartphones.

Industry analyst Jeff Kagan offers comment.

"We've been using wireless phones for several decades, however in the last few years the smartphone has grown so much in popularity and today we carry so much personal and private information that users are demanding protection in case their device get's lost or stolen," says Wireless analyst Jeff Kagan.



"Users store all their information on these devices which is one reason they are called smartphones. However this is not really safe since they often go lost or stolen. This issue has been debated for the last several years and the government has started to rumble that they may demand some soft of kill switch technology to protect users in case their smartphone get's lost or stolen," says Tech analyst Kagan.

CTIA is the wireless industry association in the United States and they issued a plan that US wireless carriers agree to. This plan will put control and protection for the user in place.


"I am sure there is still plenty that can be discussed and debated about the fine points, but generally speaking this is great news for the industry and for the user," says Principal analyst Kagan.

"I think the reason the industry got together to make this offer is it is better than a government imposed solution which would be much more thorny to deal with," says Kagan.

"I think this solution makes a great deal of sense. I am also sure there will be more debate about the fine points," says Kagan.

One example is whether this is automatically set up on every smartphone, or whether it will be opt-in. There are pros and cons either way. Another is will this be an easy to use solution or will it be complex. It must be easy to use to get the maximum benefit.

"So there are still things that we need to discuss, but so far I like what the CTIA and the industry is proposing. It provides the protection to those who want it. Today, our smartphones already have the ability to use a PIN number before you can use the device. This is a great first level of protection, but not deep enough. This CTIA solution puts complete control in the customers hands," says Kagan.

About Jeff Kagan Jeff Kagan is a Technology Industry Analyst, consultant and columnist. He is regularly quoted by the media and shares his opinion in many ways over 25 years.

He offers comment to reporters and journalists on wireless, telecom, Internet, cable television, IPTV and other tech news stories.

Kagan is also known as a Tech Analyst, Wireless Analyst, Telecom Analyst and Principal Analyst.

Reporters: Jeff Kagan sends comments by email to reporters and the media. If you would like to be added to this email list please send request by email.

Clients: Contact Jeff Kagan to discuss briefing him or becoming a consulting client.

Contact: Jeff Kagan by email at jeff(at)jeffKAGAN(dot)com or by phone at 770-579-5810.

Visit his website: at jeffKAGAN.com to learn more and for disclosures.

Twitter: Follow him at @jeffkagan Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/JeffKagan_IndustryAnalyst/CTIA-antitheft-killswitch/prweb11767839.htm (c) 2014 PRWEB.COM Newswire

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]