MOBILE EQUIPMENT THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A system and method for preventing the unauthorized use of improperly obtained mobile equipment is disclosed. The mobile equipment includes a plurality of personalization categories that are programmable into the mobile equipment by the manufacturer. Prior to purchase and at the request of the network provider, at least one of the personalization categories in addition to the network personalization category is enabled in the mobile equipment by the manufacturer (20). Upon powering up the mobile equipment for the first time, a personalization check is performed for the plurality of personalization categories (26). The personalization check is destined to fail with respect to one of the personalization categories other than the network personalization category. Once the personalization category is disabled, the mobile equipment can function on the intended network.