Telstra's timely announcement that it will block stolen mobile phones from its network came just hours ahead of today's telecoms industry pow-wow with police representatives, but raises the question why such action hasn't been taken by Australian carriers sooner.

As every mobile phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) that is transmitted along with phone call details on telco networks, carriers are effectively able to block and ban stolen mobile phones from their networks. However, to date Australia's mobile carriers haven't cared to take the step to stop stolen mobiles reappearing on their networks and have come under an increasing wave of criticism for cashing in on stolen mobile phone usage.

However, despite Telstra's decision to shut down stolen mobile phone usage over -the coming months" the carrier has refused to put a definitive date on the ban, citing technical, legal and customer management issues that have yet to be overcome. When pushed, however, the industry big wig guaranteed it would implement the ban regardless of whether other carriers chose to follow the same route.

-Telstra is committed to doing it and if the other carriers don't, that's an issue for them," a Telstra spokesperson told ZDNet Australia.

However, Vodafone, which would not say if it intended to follow Telstra's lead, said the blocking IMEI codes will only be really effective when undertaken by all mobile phone carriers as a joint initiative. "Vodafone is working closely with the industry but some issues need to be addressed, for example how the information database is jointly managed, how to ensure the accuracy of information etc."

The national carrier admits that blocking IMEI numbers is something that -has been on the agenda for a number of years" but maintains there have always been -a number of serious limitations" around implementing such a ban.

-The announcement is an expression of our willingness to do whatever possible that mobile phone theft be minimised," the spokesperson added.

However, Telstra stressed that there needs to be a -comprehensive solution" to mobile phone theft, and that IMEI blocking is just one part of a multi-pronged approach that is required to stem the flow of stolen mobiles.

"Customers don't necessarily value their handset," the Telstra spokesperson said, adding that 30 percent of mobile phone theft could be cut overnight if people didn't leave them lying inside cars.

Telstra also said the legal framework needs to be tightened up, as currently it's not an offence to change IMEI numbers despite dubious reasons for doing so.

Representatives from the telecommunications arena are attending a group industry and law enforcement agency forum today to debate such issues relating to mobile phone theft.

The morning session had been -very much an education sharing process" according to the Telstra spokesman who took time out of the discussions to speak to ZDNet Australia.

Optus has also been contacted for comment.

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