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Cellular Phones/Archiving and retrieving of text messages

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Expert: - 1/2/2011


Question
I understand that records of information about text messages, such as where and when sent, the number sent to etc are retained by the phone company, and can be retrieved by police if required as court evidence, but are the contents of text messages retained as well?  If so, for how long after they are sent?

Thanks!

Answer
The contents of text messages are not retained, only the records. A subpoena will produce the records to be used as court evidence, that is correct. The police cannot retrieve this information, but a subpoena to the cell phone company will produce the records. Records are available typically for 12 months. In some cases, they are retained longer in archive (up to 3 years). The account holder can get these records oftentimes for up to a year on line.  

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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