The Illegality of Cell Phone Jammers: Three Key Reasons

Cell phone jammers can be highly disruptive, preventing individuals from making emergency calls, as well as interfering with other forms of daily communication. This creates a significant danger to public safety communications.

This article offers insight into how signal jammers work, why they are illegal in the United States, and what steps to take if authorized communication is being jammed. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about cell phone jammers, Cellbusters can provide expert guidance and support.

A Guide to the Functionality of Cell Phone Jammers

Understanding the Functionality of Cell Phone Jammers

Cell phone jammers operate by emitting a powerful Radio Frequency (RF) signal that interferes with the signal from the nearest cell phone base station or tower. The RF signal frequency is similar to that used by cellular phone carriers, causing the phone to become unstable and lose its connection. When a phone is being jammed, its signal bars will disappear.

The danger of cell phone jammers is that they not only block communication but also render 911 emergency calls impossible. This makes them particularly hazardous, as they inhibit both routine communication and the reception of public safety messages. The use of cell phone jammers is illegal in many countries, including the United States, and can result in federal charges for those who are caught using them.

Cell Phone Jamming is Prohibited in the USA

Like many countries, the United States prohibits the employment of cell phone jammers in practically every use case.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, “Federal law prohibits the operation, marketing, or sale of any type of jamming equipment that interferes with authorized radio communications, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS), police radar, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).”

It is also illegal to sell, distribute, advertise, import, or market jamming devices to consumers in the United States. The use or marketing of a jammer in the U.S. may subject a person to:

significant monetary penalties (fines of up to $11,000)
seizure of the unlawful equipment
criminal sanctions including imprisonment
There are no exemptions for use within a residence, business, vehicle, or classroom. Local law enforcement agencies do not have independent authority to use jamming equipment. Jamming equipment employment by federal law enforcement agencies is authorized in accordance with applicable statutes only in certain limited exceptions.

Though signal jamming is prohibited, cell phone detectors are legal in the United States.

 Steps to Take If You Encounter Jamming of Authorized Communication

Do you suspect that a signal jammer may be causing interference? Bad network connections can be caused by a variety of factors including:

faulty equipment
physical obstructions that block the signal
lawful devices that are operating on the same frequencies
Before filing an interference complaint via the FCC Consumer Complaint Center, you should troubleshoot equipment and connectivity issues in accordance with manufacturer and service provider recommendations. In addition to consulting your owner’s manual and the company’s tech support, searching the Internet for your device/model and specific issue may help to either identify or rule out possible causes.

 Learn About Cell Phone Jammers and Legal Detection Solutions

Cellbusters’ “Jamming on Demand” Solutions for International Customers

For our international customers, Cellbusters offers a combination of cell phone jamming and detection technology known as “jamming on demand.” This solution involves programming a Zone Protector to activate the cell phone jammer when it detects a phone transmission. Once the transmission ceases, the jammer is automatically turned off.