A Philadelphia man has sparked controversy by deliberately creating a mobile phone dead zone on a public bus using a device. NBC10 in Philadelphia recently located the man, identified as Eric, who admitted to using a mobile phone jammer to disrupt riders’ phone reception. His motive behind this act was his aversion to overhearing other people’s phone conversations. Whenever fellow passengers spoke loudly and disturbed him, Eric would activate the illegal device to silence their conversations.

In an interview with NBC reporters, Eric proudly stated, “I guess I’m taking the law into my own hands, and quite frankly, I’m proud of it.”

This incident has raised concerns about personal privacy and individual rights. While some may sympathize with Eric’s annoyance towards noisy fellow passengers, his decision to interfere with the phone reception of others raises ethical questions. Deliberately causing a mobile phone dead zone infringes on the rights of communication and freedom of expression, which are fundamental in a democratic society.

The use of mobile phone jammers is illegal in the United States due to potential public safety risks. Jamming signals not only disrupt phone calls but can also interfere with emergency communications, posing a serious threat to public well-being.

It is essential to find a balance between respecting privacy and maintaining freedom of communication. Instead of resorting to such extreme measures, it would be more appropriate for individuals to address their concerns about noise levels on public transport through other means, such as engaging in respectful conversations or politely requesting others to lower their voices.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges society faces in the age of technology. As technology advances, it becomes crucial to navigate these issues with consideration for both individual comfort and the collective well-being of society.

A jammer looks similar to a walkie-talkie and has multiple antennae pointing out of the top of the device. Its job is to jam, block or interfere with wireless communication including Wi-Fi, mobile phone reception, GPS and police radar.

In the US, section 302(b) of the Communication Act of 1934 [PDF] prohibits the “marketing, sale or use” of jammers. The federal government and companies contracted to do federal work, typically related to homeland security, are the only ones permitted to use jammers. Like many uninformed people who have jammers, Eric said he thought a jammer was legal to use.

“We are deeply concerned about the reported incident and are currently conducting an investigation,” stated Michelle Ellison, Chief of the Federal Communication Commission Enforcement Bureau, in an email addressing the incident that occurred in Philadelphia.

The issue of using mobile phone jammers extends beyond bus riders. The FCC has also looked into the use of these devices in schools and theatres. Administrators at schools have considered implementing mobile phone jammers as a convenient solution to prevent students from using their cell phones during school hours. Similarly, theatres view mobile phone jammers as an appealing option to ensure that audiences refrain from using their phones during performances.

It is important to note that the use of mobile phone jammers is illegal and poses significant risks to public safety and communication networks. The FCC remains committed to enforcing regulations and addressing any potential misuse of these devices.”