Wireless Signals

 
Currently a consortium of wireless carriers, acting through the industry association of the CTIA -- the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry -- is battling to keep communications open from interference.

Cellphone Bars

 
A proposed cell phone jamming test at the District of Columbia department of corrections has raised alarm bells within the industry.  The department of corrections wants to keep the signal behind bars.

Free Wireless

The ctia association which appears to include every major wireless communications company as well as numerous smaller carriers, contends that cell phone jamming in the United States is illegal.  They clearly believe that cell phone signals should be free to roam. The carriers group has filed legal action to block initial demonstrations of the technology.   While the commission has authorized the technology to be used within the prison grounds, ostensibly to prevent prisoner usage of cell phones.

The group claims this action is beyond the scope of authority of the wireless telecommunications bureau, the federal communications  commission and is further illegal under the communications act.    The carrier group also argues that the demonstration is likely to interfere with the calling plans and contractual service agreements with wireless customers in the region.  CTIA has cited safety concerns involving potential interruptions in emergency communications. 

The CTIA claims that this reckless behavior on the part of the corrections department and has attempted to file an injunction stopping the test.  The carrier consortium also contends the approval was rushed through the FCC review process without due notice, in a last minute action prior to the weekend, which was deliberately designed to avoid any opportunity to respond.  The petition for reconsideration is an attempt to stop the usage of wireless jamming technology, and to establish precedent for future cases. As a result of this action, the FCC reversed its initial position to grant the waiver for the test.   Despite this victory by the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, the battle continues.

Wireless Plans

 
The controversial technology has been provided by CellAntenna.com and the wireless carriers  contend that the very nature of the technology is illegal.   This has interestingly raised alarms across the internet, by both those who want access to jamming equipment and those who fear it is another tool for governmental control.

As a result of this controversy, the safe prisons communication act of 2009 (H.R. 560) has been introduced.  The bill is designed to allow state governors to request and recieve FCC authorization to operate jamming devices within prison grounds.   CellAntenna is highly supportive, while the carriers and their lobby are quite opposed to this action.  This action was moved to the house subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security on march 16th where it is currently under consideration.

Wireless Carriers

 
The emergence of cellphones as a ubiquitous element of modern society has made this an interesting battle on many fronts.  The wireless carriers want cell phones to have the widest access possible and minimal interference with their technologies.   Public safety officials, who seem unable to limit the flow of cellphones onto prison grounds want the authority to jam civilian communications at will.  

What is the best plan?

 
Other interests are concerned that the results could swing too far in either direction, either giving the government too much authority to intrude on small scale private usage of similar equipment and access to that equipment, or give the corporations too much power to litigate against private device usage of various kinds.    There are those who argue that the airwaves should be open to the public on all channels, and those who are concerned about the effects of cell phone radiation itself.   Public safety is a concern, strangely, for both parties. The definition of what is best for public safety in regards to cellphones is however, clearly in dispute.

Wireless Jamming

Cellular carriers and users of mobile devices are caught in the middle of this new cellphone war, between cell carriers and the wireless jamming industry.  As always the battle for a clear signal in the arena of cell phone carriers and wireless communication continues, while all the public can do is dial in their opinions and take a position on cell signal interference.