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.

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