Digicel to block stolen phones from accessing Jamaican networks

Telecommunications company Digicel says it is working on an industry solution to prevent stolen phones from accessing all Jamaican mobile networks.

It says the move is a significant step forward in an industry-wide effort to prevent the sale of stolen phones.

Digicel Jamaica CEO Jabbor Kayumov said in a statement on Wednesday the company is working toward this step in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Energy, and Technology.

“The word here is that, very soon, stolen phones will no longer work on any network in Jamaica. We are enhancing this assurance by working diligently through collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Energy, and Technology and industry stakeholders,” said Kayumov.

Customers of Digicel have already reported the loss or theft of their phones. However, the devices are only blocked on its network.

Digicel said by supporting a cross-network solution, stolen phones will be disabled and included in a national database, preventing them from being reconnected to any network.

“There is a significant need for this now, considering that more robberies today involve the theft of a cell phone, with some incidents leading to injury and even death. This cannot be allowed to continue,” Kayumov said.

He further encourages smartphone users to download and utilize apps that can help them track their devices and secure their data in the event of phone theft.