Reject Request for Cell Jamming Waiver, CTIA Tells FCC
The CTIA filed a petition at the FCC asking it to reject CellAntenna’s request for special temporary authority to demonstrate cell jamming equipment at the Pine Prairie Correctional Center in Louisiana. APCO, meanwhile, sent FCC acting Chairman Michael Copps a letter warning that the use of cell jamming equipment also blocks calls to 911, so it has negative implications for public safety as well.
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Howard Melamed, CEO of CellAntenna, told us Friday he met with FCC officials last week to explain his company’s technology and its request for special temporary authority. “Cellphones are being used illegally inside prisons and prison authorities are screaming for a solution and the only solution we have CTIA is opposing,” he said. “[Carriers] are not providing any logical, cost-effective alternative.”
“Most fundamentally,” the proposal would violate provisions of the Communications Act, the CTIA said. It urged the commission to investigate illegal conduct by CellAntenna. “CTIA believes the Commission’s investigation will support a finding that CellAntenna knowingly and willingly has offered for sale and operated equipment that blocks wireless communications in a manner that violates Sections 301, 302, 333, and the Commission’s rules,” the group said. “Interference caused by CellAntenna’s illegal conduct, poses a serious threat to licensed wireless networks and critical communications, including the possibility of impairing public safety and consumer use of the network in emergency situations.” The CTIA said all interested parties - including corrections and public safety officials, carriers and equipment makers -- should cooperate on developing “the best way to prevent the use of contraband cell phones in prisons.”
APCO said in a separate letter it is “deeply concerned” that the use of cell jamming equipment “will block 911 calls from wireless telephones, creating a serious threat to the safety of life and property.” In many communities, the majority of 911 calls are from wireless phones, the group said.
APCO warned that cell jamming equipment could also interfere with public safety radio communications in adjacent frequency bands. “APCO urges the Commission to (1) initiate aggressive enforcement actions against those who manufacture or market devices to block wireless telephone and other radiocommunications, and (2) deny pending and future requests to “test” devices that would violate the Communications Act.” - Howard Buskirk