Illegal Cell Jamming Equipment
The New York Post's online edition reports that illegal cell jamming equipment is now being sold throughout New York City. Blocking cell phone calls also means blocking emergency services such as 911. Expect this equipment to proliferate throughout the country, with new devices jamming other wireless networks such as WiFi hotspots. If not checked, our mobile networks might become as undependable as CB radio, frequencies lost to abuse. This had better stop soon, perhaps issuing large fines based on disrupting emergency communications would be one idea.
Angela Montefinise reports in "Shut The Cell Up" that these devices are being used for many reasons. Some of them sport. One user told Montefinise, "I use it on the bus all the time. I always zap the idiots who discuss what they want from the Chinese restaurant so that everyone can hear them. Why is that necessary?'"
"He added, 'I can't throw the phones out the window, so this is the next best thing.'"
"Online jammer seller Victor McCormack said he's made 'hundreds of sales' to New Yorkers."
"'The interest has gone insane in the last few years. I get all sorts of people buying them, from priests to police officers.'"
"Jammers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from portable handhelds that look like cell phones to larger, fixed models as big as suitcases."
"Their sole goal is to zip inconsiderate lips. The smaller gadgets emit radio frequencies that block signals anywhere from a 50- to 200-foot radius. They range in price from $250 to $2,000."
The link to the story is here. Warning, this link may only last a few months:
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/40168.htm