Federal regulators are proposing a plan to jam contraband cell phones in prisons, but phone companies and wireless carriers are warning that the idea could disrupt lawful communications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been exploring ways to curb the use of smuggled cellphones in correctional facilities, which have been linked to violent crimes.
The proposal would allow state and local prisons to operate their own jamming systems, using radio frequency jammers that could block all wireless communications on affected spectrum bands. However, wireless carriers and industry groups are expressing concerns that such a plan would interfere with lawful communications, including 911 calls.
In comments submitted to the FCC, AT&T said that the proposed legal framework is flawed and ignores the technical limitations of jamming technology. "Jamming cannot differentiate between contraband devices and legitimate devices," AT&T wrote.
The CTIA, a wireless lobby group, also opposes the plan, saying it would block all communications on affected spectrum bands, including lawful communications like 911 calls. "Jamming blocks all communications, not just communications from contraband devices," the CTIA said in its comments.
Phone companies have expressed support for jamming technology as a way to combat contraband wireless devices in prisons. Global Tel*Link (aka ViaPath) called the plan "one more tool" to help prevent the use of smuggled phones.
However, industry groups like the Wi-Fi Alliance and GPS Innovation Alliance are warning that jamming could have unintended consequences, including disrupting vital broadband services and undermining trust in unlicensed spectrum technologies.
The FCC's proposal would allow for targeted jamming, but industry experts say it's unlikely to be effective. "If an RF jammer is deployed at a correctional facility, the deployment risks not only interfering with voice communications but also disrupting vital broadband services within the facility itself as well as the surrounding community," said the Telecommunications Industry Association.
For now, the FCC has asked for public comment on the proposal, and it's unclear whether the plan will move forward. The issue highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing the use of smuggled cellphones in prisons and the need for effective solutions to prevent violent crimes.
The proposal would allow state and local prisons to operate their own jamming systems, using radio frequency jammers that could block all wireless communications on affected spectrum bands. However, wireless carriers and industry groups are expressing concerns that such a plan would interfere with lawful communications, including 911 calls.
In comments submitted to the FCC, AT&T said that the proposed legal framework is flawed and ignores the technical limitations of jamming technology. "Jamming cannot differentiate between contraband devices and legitimate devices," AT&T wrote.
The CTIA, a wireless lobby group, also opposes the plan, saying it would block all communications on affected spectrum bands, including lawful communications like 911 calls. "Jamming blocks all communications, not just communications from contraband devices," the CTIA said in its comments.
Phone companies have expressed support for jamming technology as a way to combat contraband wireless devices in prisons. Global Tel*Link (aka ViaPath) called the plan "one more tool" to help prevent the use of smuggled phones.
However, industry groups like the Wi-Fi Alliance and GPS Innovation Alliance are warning that jamming could have unintended consequences, including disrupting vital broadband services and undermining trust in unlicensed spectrum technologies.
The FCC's proposal would allow for targeted jamming, but industry experts say it's unlikely to be effective. "If an RF jammer is deployed at a correctional facility, the deployment risks not only interfering with voice communications but also disrupting vital broadband services within the facility itself as well as the surrounding community," said the Telecommunications Industry Association.
For now, the FCC has asked for public comment on the proposal, and it's unclear whether the plan will move forward. The issue highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing the use of smuggled cellphones in prisons and the need for effective solutions to prevent violent crimes.
this whole thing is kinda weird... i mean, we're talking about jamming contraband phones in prisons but at what cost? it's like, sure we wanna reduce violence but do we really want to compromise our ability to call 911 or stay connected with loved ones? 
the tech industry's got some valid concerns here and i don't blame 'em for speaking up. the gov might think they're finding a solution but it's possible this plan just creates more problems than it solves... we'll have to wait and see what happens next 
this is such a tricky situation. I get why they wanna jam contraband phones, but at the same time, it's super concerning that it could mess up legit communications like 911 calls 
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It's just not worth it in my opinion 
, if they jam all wireless communications including 911 calls, it's gonna be a disaster! I mean, what's the point of even having phones in there if you're just gonna cut off your lifeline? 
It's not like they're using them to call up their gang leaders or anything... They should just find another way to stop contraband phones from working. Like, maybe monitor cell phone activity or use different frequencies that won't interfere with lawful communications. This jamming idea is so basic and it sounds like they haven't even thought this through 
. On one hand, it's crazy that people are smuggling those things into prisons and using them to coordinate violent crimes... but on the other hand, what if it interferes with 911 calls or vital broadband services? 
, but probably not practical. Ugh, I don't know what to think about this one 
, you know? Like when I'm traveling or working from a coffee shop, I need my phone to be able to stay connected and get things done ASAP 
.
That would be pretty annoying...
i think global tel link is cool that they're on board with jamming but the others are like "nope, this could mess up broadband" 
shouldn't we find a better way to deal with these phones? 
! Jamming contraband cell phones in prisons is a genius idea, but I get why phone companies are worried 
. AT&T makes some valid points about the tech limitations, tho 
. I'm down for some targeted jamming that actually works 
. And hey, if it means keeping 911 calls open for real emergencies, then I'm all for it 
I'm not surprised though, those guys gotta be super careful with their comms 