Senate Greenlights Jamming Cell Signals Near Prisons

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posted Aug 6, 2009, 12:02 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

A U.S. Senate committee has taken the first step toward approving new legislation that would allow states to ask the federal government for permission to jam cellular signals at and near prisons. The issue was brought before the senate by corrections directors from some 26 states. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the initial bill, which now goes to the entire Senate for consideration. If passed, the bill would require the FCC to to set up rules and regulations governing how and where signals can be blocked, to conduct tests to determine the minimum strength necessary to block signals, and to approve all systems before giving states permission to block signals. Only correctional facilities would be allowed to block signals, and all parties involved would have to ensure that the areas surrounding the prisons experience minimal disruption of services.

more info at Wireless Week »

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