The Federal Communications Commission has reached an agreement with major wireless service providers to combat cell phone and data theft.

“Within six months, when Americans call their participating wireless provider and report their wireless devices stolen, their provider will block that device from being used again. This system will be rolling out globally using common databases across carriers over the next 18 months,” the FCC said in a statement Tuesday.

The agreement was announced by the FCC, several major police department chiefs, Sen. Chuck Schumer and four wireless carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint, who together serve 90 percent of U.S. subscribers.

The trade group for cell phone makers and service providers — CTIA-The Wireless Association — also outlined four steps the industry will take voluntarily combat theft between now and Nov. 30, 2013:

1. Wireless carriers will implement databases to prevent reactivation of stolen smartphones. The databases will include unique cell phone identifiers, known as International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, that will let cell phone companies permanently disable stolen cell phones. These numbers will be similar to vehicle identificaiton numbers.

2. Smartphone makers will notify and educate consumers about how phones can be locked and secured from unauthorized access using a password.

3. Wireless providers will educate consumers about applications to remotely lock/locate/erase data from smartphones.

4. The wireless industry will launch an education campaign, using public service announcements, Web sites and social media, to education consumers on the safe use of smartphones.

Schumer is also introducing legislation making it a federal crime to alter or tamper with a phone’s IMEI number. “Our goal is to make a stolen cell phone as worthless as an empty wallet,” Schumer said in a press release.