1.  The first paragraph of a news article usually answers the questions who, what, where and when. In this article, only the who and what are provided in the first paragraph; describe the who and what of this news item.  (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details and the why and/or how.)

2.  What is the reason for building a central database?

3.  a) What procedure do Verizon and Sprint currently follow if one of their customers' phones are stolen?
b)  Which two major phone companies do not use this procedure? Why not?

4.  Why is the FCC initiating this database?

5.  Washington D.C. saw a 54% increase in cellphone robberies in the past four years; in New York City 81% of the 26,000 electronics thefts in 2011 were cell phone thefts.  Why has there been such a large increase in cell phone thefts?

6.  In general, how will the national database work?

7.  What main challenge do the designers of the national database face? Be specific.

8.  a) What will make it easier in the near future for thieves to transfer stolen cell phones between different phone carriers?
b)  How are AT&T and T-Mobile working to combat this problem?

9.  Why might the databases not deter some criminals from continuing to steal cell phones?

10. How do you think establishing and maintaining a national database will affect cell phone costs?