Stolen smartphone database is complete, says CTIA

Doubt it works. ATT, Sprint, anyone that uses a sim card cant be turned off. Only phones that use the CDMA network can be blacklisted in such a fashion.

 

No! Sorry, but that is not true and a simple and quick Bing Google search easily show the database relies on the IMEI number which is permanently stored on the phone, not the SIM card.

As noted by Electronista here,

Also noted by CNET News,

 

In that case its about time. Wonder why they didnt do this in the first place.

 

Well, the simple answer to that is "the bottom line". That is, money, profit, and even greed. It takes money to implement and participate in such programs and that takes away from profit. And sadly, the phone makers and carriers would much rather sell you a new phone, theft insurance, and/or a new plan than help you recover your lost or stolen phone.