FCC taking steps that would allow prisons to jam cellphone signals
4 days ago
- #Cellphone Jamming
- #FCC
- #Prison Safety
- FCC is proposing to allow state and federal prisons to jam smuggled cellphone signals to prevent inmates from plotting violence and crimes.
- The proposal will be voted on at the FCC's Sept. 30 meeting to lift current restrictions on signal jamming in prisons.
- Smuggled cellphones have been used in violent incidents, including a 2018 South Carolina prison riot that killed seven inmates.
- Robert Johnson, a prison officer shot in 2010, advocates for jamming technology after surviving an attack orchestrated via smuggled phones.
- South Carolina has been a key state in advocating for and testing jamming technology in prisons.
- The FCC's upcoming vote aims to 'deauthorize the lawful use of contraband cell phones,' removing legal barriers to jamming.
- CTIA, a wireless industry group, opposes jamming, citing concerns over interference with legitimate communications and public safety services.
- Jamming technology would be optional for prisons, which currently use other methods like scans and netting to prevent phone smuggling.
- Robert Johnson, who endured 36 surgeries after being shot, expressed hope that the new measures will protect others.