Western Washington Cooperative Interference Committee
Interference Announcements and Inquiries
Jamming
Devices
(Source:
Federal Communications Commission)
A Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) issue
(PDF, 65 Kb) explained that in recent years the number of websites offering
“cell jammers” or similar devices designed to block communications and
create a “quiet zone” in vehicles, schools, theaters, restaurants, and other
places has increased substantially. “While these devices are marketed under
different names, such as signal blockers, GPS jammers, or test stoppers, they
have the same purpose.”
The
Emergency
Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center
(EMR-ISAC) confirmed that “jammers” are illegal radio frequency transmitters
that are designed to block, jam, or otherwise interfere with authorized radio
communications. Jamming technology generally does not discriminate between
desirable and undesirable communications. A “jammer” can block all radio
communications on any device that operates on radio frequencies within its
range.
According
to the FCC, “jammers” are more than just a nuisance; they pose an
unacceptable risk to public safety by potentially preventing the transmission of
emergency communications. For example, “jammers” can prevent 9-1-1 and other
emergency calls from getting through. These devices can also interfere with
police, fire, and emergency medical communications.
Considering
their capabilities and menace to public safety communications, federal law
prohibits the marketing, sale, or use of “jammers” that intentionally block,
jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications such as cell phones,
police radar, GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.
The
FCC published Frequently
Asked Questions
(PDF, 124 Kb), which provides additional detailed information about “jammers.”
If you hear an interference related story or if you are experiencing interference and do not want to wait until the next meeting to discuss it you can e-mail it to Alan Robinson at alanr@wwcic.org and he will place it on this page.