Though it may resemble a walkie talkie, the cell phone jammer is far more powerful than one might assume. Once activated, it can effectively shut down all cell phone service within the vicinity. As a result, operating a jammer is not only a federal crime, but can also lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment.

Despite the punishable nature of using a cell phone jammer, Eric, a resident of Philadelphia, felt compelled to utilize one on his daily SEPTA 44 bus commute. His reasoning was simple – he was tired of listening to the incessant chatter of his fellow passengers on their cell phones.

According to NBC 10 in Philadelphia, Eric would wait for the opportune moment to turn on his jamming device. As soon as he grew weary of the noise, he would activate the jammer and enjoy the sudden silence that followed.

Though Eric may have thought he was doing himself a favor, he was actually putting himself at risk of severe legal consequences. Operating a cell phone jammer is a federal offense and can result in jail time and fines of up to $16,000.

In light of Eric’s actions, it’s important to remember that while the noise of cell phone conversations may be annoying, there are legal and safe ways to address the issue. Using a cell phone jammer is not one of them.

“A lot of people are extremely loud, no sense of just privacy or anything. When it becomes a bother, that’s when I screw on the antenna and flip the switch,” Eric told NBC 10.

Eric claimed that he didn’t know it was illegal to block a cell phone signal, and thought it was a “gray area.” He said he was under the impression that it was only illegal when blocking television or radio signals.

But even so, he wasn’t very apologetic about his actions.

“I guess I’m taking the law into my own hands and, quite frankly, I’m proud of it,” he told NBC 10.

Jammers like the one used in this case are illegal for reasons including that they could prevent cell phone communication in emergencies and because they can block other important signals such as police radio and other two-way radios.

Since finding out it is illegal, Eric said he planned to dispose of the jammer he bought, which ABC News estimated cost $300.

But the bigger issue is that Eric isn’t alone in this jamming practice.

It is disturbing to know that jammers are being sold so easily on websites like phonejammer.com and jammerall.com. According to Forbes, there are people in New Jersey and New York who are already using these devices. However, it is important to note that using a jammer is illegal and one can face serious consequences for doing so.

Eric’s story serves as a reminder that jamming cell phone signals is not only a violation of FCC regulations, but it also poses a safety risk by interfering with communication channels. It is unfair for individuals to intentionally disrupt the signals of others, especially during emergencies where timely communication can be a matter of life and death.

Therefore, it is crucial for authorities to take enforcement actions against the illegal use of jammers and for the public to be aware of the consequences of using them. Together, we can ensure a safer and more regulated use of communication technology.