Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile about cell phone
numbers will be released publicly to telemarketing corporations.
I can understand your concern with this process and I want to include
the following information that will make T-Mobiles position very clear
on this matter.
This is T-Mobiles Media Statement:
" T-Mobile takes the protection of our customers privacy seriously. We
are not affiliated with any party that sells call records, we do not
sell call records, and anyone that offers this service is engaging in an
unlawful activity.
The tactics of the companies that are selling call records are
deplorable and we believe often are fraudulent. T-Mobile has sent cease and
desist orders to a number of these companies.
The appropriate government entities also are investigating these
organizations in order to stop this unacceptable practice. We understand
there is pending legislation in some states to ban and criminalize the sale
of cell phone records by these companies, and we support such
legislation.
For our customers, as an additional layer of security on their T-Mobile
account, we offer the option to utilize a Security Password. As
always, the most important way consumers can protect their personal
information is to be diligent in utilizing passwords.
This is the Press Release regarding the lawsuit:
" T-Mobile Sues Cell Phone Record Brokers for Criminal Profiteering
Carrier Files Suit to Protect Customer Records; Calls for Prompt Action
to Punish Online Brokers and Privacy Predators
BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 23, 2006 In an effort to restrain the unlawful
activities of entities that attempt to fraudulently obtain confidential
customer information, T-Mobile USA, Inc. is bringing legal action
against online data brokers the company believes are involved in
illegitimately obtaining and selling call records. Acting under Washington State
criminal profiteering laws, T-Mobile today filed suit in King County,
Wash., Superior Court seeking an injunction to stop Locatecell.com, as
well as related companies and individuals, from engaging in such illegal
behavior. T-Mobile also is prepared to take similar legal action
against other believed violators.
To further safeguard the privacy of our customers, T-Mobile is taking
action to prosecute these online data brokers to the fullest extent
permitted by the law, said Dave Miller, Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, T-Mobile USA. For the protection of all wireless customers,
their illegal actions must be stopped.
T-Mobile also endorses the need for federal legislation making it a
crime for anyone to obtain, sell or distribute, through fraudulent means,
the private calling records of mobile phone customers.
T-Mobile supports adoption of federal legislation making it clear that
fraudulent activities by third parties to obtain, sell, or distribute
call records is a crime, said Tom Sugrue, T-Mobiles Vice President of
Government Affairs. Legislation should address the deplorable and
deceptive actions of these third-party brokers who illegitimately obtain
and sell call records without the knowledge or consent of wireless
customers. We applaud the FCCs recent citations against brokers that have
defied its subpoenas.
Legislation introduced by Sens. Schumer, Specter and Nelson and
co-sponsored by Sens. Burns and Reid, takes particular aim at these
perpetrators, defined as anyone who sells or obtains confidential customer
information through deception or unauthorized access to a telephone companys
data. T-Mobile commends this bipartisan group of Senators for targeting
privacy predators such as online brokers in an effort to bolster
protections for consumers. T-Mobile looks forward to working with members of
Congress to resolve this important privacy concern.
As a result of data uncovered during a continuing, thorough internal
investigation, T-Mobile had issued numerous cease and desist letters
against companies that were believed to have illegally obtained and sold
phone-calling records of some of its customers.
T-Mobile reiterates that it is important for customers to continue to
take steps to protect their accounts by utilizing passwords. T-Mobile
urges all users of mobile phone services to take the following password
protection steps:
" Create separate passwords for voicemail, online access, and for use
when calling customer care about your billing account.
" Set complex passwords using both numbers and letters where
appropriate.
" Avoid common passwords such as birth dates, family or pet names and
street addresses.
" Change your passwords at least every 60 days.
" Memorize your passwords.
" Dont share passwords with anyone.
T-Mobile takes customer privacy seriously. Customer protection is a
primary concern. We have invested millions of dollars to help protect
customer information, and we continue to further reinforce our systems.
Our customer phone records are not for sale, said Sugrue. We encourage
Congress and the FCC to act swiftly to bring the illegal activity of
online data brokers to an end.
About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is a member of the
T-Mobile International group, the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of
Deutsche Telekom AG (NYSE: DT). T-Mobile USA's GSM/GPRS voice and data
networks in the United States (including roaming and other agreements)
reach more than 260 million people. In addition, T-Mobile operates the
largest carrier-grade, commercial wireless broadband network in the United
States, providing Wi-Fi at more than 6,000 public locations throughout
the country, and makes available access at more than 20,000
international roaming locations. For more information, visit the companys Web
site at www.t-mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of
Deutsche Telekom AG. # # # Contact: T-Mobile USA Inc. T-Mobile Media
Relations (425) 378-4002 mediarelations@t-mobile.com
I hope this will alleviate any fears you have that your information
will be passed on by T-Mobile.
