Cell Phone Jammer Breakin’ the Law, FCC Confirms
The story last week concerning a lone etiquette vigilante (known as the Cell Phone Jammer) wandering the streets of Philadelphia sparked a lot of public interest, and debate about how much people who talk loud on cell phones deserve to be shut down by some rando on the SEPTA buses.
It seemed when the Cell Phone Jammer- identified only as “Eric”- was confronted by press, he was not aware that his actions disrupting communications lines were running afoul of law. Several news organizations (including us!) pointed out that while you may want to forcefully disconnect your neighbor’s loud, offensive and/or annoying call, federal law prohibits such behavior, and the controversy has caught the eye of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who took time out from still investigating Janet Jackson’s titty flash to weigh in on the debate.
The FCC reminds us that the purchase of a cell phone jammer (device) may be tempting, but purchasing and using one is a bad idea for several reasons. For one, the devices pose a danger to the public, and would be disastrous in wide use. Second, they are illegal, and violators face six-figure fines and jail time- the FCC issued a statement explaining that the use of cell phone jammers is an issue they take very seriously:
“In recent days, there have been various press reports about commuters using cell phone jammers to create a ‘quiet zone’ on buses or trains. We caution consumers that it is against the law to use a cell or GPS jammer or any other type of device that blocks, jams, or interferes with authorized communications, as well as to import, advertise, sell, or ship such a device. The FCC Enforcement Bureau has a zero tolerance policy in this area and will take aggressive action against violators.”
The agency also outlines potential dangers of the practice of civilians using cell phone jammers, including potential disruptions to calls to emergency services. You can read the FCC’s FAQ on cell phone jammers on their site.
