"Kill-switch" update

Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA and C Spire Wireless have all come out with plans to offer "kill-switch" capabilities in the near future. However, they do not support legislation to require it.

Earlier this month, Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced legislation called the Smartphone Theft Prevention Act. It would require the option for customers to implement a "kill-switch".

During a hearing about mobile competition, Klobuchar stated that about a third of all thefts in the U.S. now involve mobile devices.

Randal Milch, general counsel at Verizon Communications, said that the company is working of the option, which involves both a software and a hardware issue.

According to T-Mobile, they currently install locate, lock and wipe software on all of their phones.