Impact of Jamming on Public Safety

1. Impact of Jamming on Public Safety “The California OCIO, working closely with Corrections, is pursuing a solution to restrict unauthorized cell phone usage in correctional facilities. The solution must meet our public safety requirements while not affecting citizens in surrounding areas with techniques such as jamming.” Teri Takai, California State Chief Information Officer “The solution strongly advocated by some (specifically referred to as cell phone jamming) . . . is particularly troublesome for a variety reasons, including the fact that jamming devices are illegal and the important fact that cell phone jamming has the potential to block calls to 9-1-1 by authorized cell phone users in range of the jamming device. … NENA is concerned that jamming technology in the hands of unauthorized users could substantially harm legitimate use of commercial and public wireless devices and networks. Alternate solutions to the use of contraband cell phones in prisons other than jamming should be explored, including the use of managed access technologies.” National Emergency Number Association, Press Release September 30, 2010 “[APCO] remains deeply concerned that some technologies, especially cell jammers, have the potential to disrupt critical public safety radio communications and legitimate cell phone use, including the ability to call 9-1-1.” Comments of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials on NTIA Notice of Inquiry