Bearing a resemblance to a walkie-talkie, the phone blocker is a device of significant power. Once turned on, this small contraption can effectively block all cell phone signals in the nearby area. The use of such a device is not only a federal offense, but can also result in a substantial $16,000 fine and potential jail time.
Eric, a Philadelphia native, refused to be discouraged by the situation. He became increasingly fed up with the incessant cell phone conversations on SEPTA 44 buses. To avoid being subjected to these discussions, Eric resorted to activating a jamming device.
Eric noted that a large portion of the population is loud and shows no regard for privacy. To deal with the annoyance, he adjusts the antenna and turns on the device.
The use of jammers, like the ones utilized in this particular case, is against the law as they have the ability to block emergency cell phone communications and interfere with essential signals, such as police radios and other two-way radios.
Eric announced that since discovering its illegality, he is preparing to discard the jammer he bought, an item estimated to be worth $300 by ABC News.
Buying a jammer is easy, but where can you use it?
The deliberate interference with electromagnetic frequencies, also known as jamming, has been integrated into a range of devices and is increasingly being offered to individuals and organizations. Despite being illegal in most parts of the world, jammers are becoming smaller, more portable, easier to use, and cheaper. While some jammers block communications indiscriminately, there are specialized devices designed to block specific signals. The most popular among these are mobile phone jammers, wifi jammers, drone blocker, and gps jammers.
The reason why most national authorities disapprove of the use of these devices is that they tend to have a greater impact than expected. Even when used with good intentions, such as blocking mobile phone usage in schools, theaters, and hospitals, or preventing drones from flying over private property, the interference can extend far beyond the intended range. Unintended consequences like dropped 911 calls, drones falling from the sky, and impaired air traffic control have led countries like South Africa and Israel to make them completely illegal.
Jammers are commonly deployed around prisons and detention centers to hinder unauthorized and unmonitored communications between prisoners and detainees and the outside world. Some countries, such as Brazil, India, New Zealand, and Sweden, have granted exemptions or are contemplating exemptions for the use of mobile phones and wifijammer around prisons, while in the UK, this practice has been legal since 2012.
A number of countries have sanctioned or recommended the expansion of jammer deployment. In India, for instance, jammers can be utilized in educational institutions, places of worship, and entertainment venues as long as the signal disruption is contained within the boundaries of the respective locations. Although jammers were previously approved for use in settings such as theaters and concert halls, this authorization was terminated in 2012.
In the scenario where you find yourself in possession of a legally owned cell phone jammer, what options are available to you? It may be worth considering booking your next flight to Ukraine, as this country has implemented measures to prevent students from using mobile phones to cheat in exams. Consequently, Ukraine has become one of the few nations where the use of jammers is authorized.
