US: New York AG probing possible collusion among top wireless carriers

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman revealed this week that he sent letters to the nation’s top wireless carriers, including AT&T and Verizon Wireless, regarding accusations the companies have been colluding to block the entry of anti-smartphone theft technology.

The companies, along with T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular, were quested by the official over their decision to block smartphone maker Samsung from including a “kill switch” mechanism by which one could remotely render the phone useless in case of theft.

The issue of phone theft has come to the forefront of the industry as of late. What’s more, some are accusing smartphone makers and wireless operators from establishing and implementing such anti-theft technologies, as the companies make money when customers replace their stolen products.

In a statement, AG Schneiderman warned “if carriers are colluding to prevent theft-deterrent features form being pre-installed on devices as means to sell more insurance products, they are doing so at the expense of public safety and putting their customers in danger.”

While the companies now have until the end of the year to respond to the letter, reports say officials may launch an antitrust investigation into the matter depending on their answers.

Full Content: Huffington Post

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