FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announces vote on prison signal jamming

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has announced that the Federal Communications Commission will vote on November 19 regarding new rules that would allow prisons to use radiofrequency jamming equipment to block inmate cellphone use. While signal jammers are generally prohibited under the Communications Act of 1934, Carr noted that some federal facilities already utilize them.

Carr stated that the measure is necessary to combat the influx of contraband cellphones, which he claims are used by offenders to coordinate gang violence, order hits, and assist criminal enterprises. To mitigate risks, the proposal requires qualifying institutions to obtain experimental licenses and prove that interference does not affect communications outside designated controlled zones. Additionally, local communities and emergency services, such as 911 management and telecom operators, must be notified of testing and implementation.

The proposal has faced criticism. Commissioner Anna Gomez expressed concerns regarding unintended consequences for surrounding areas, suggesting a pilot program instead. Furthermore, incarcerated journalists have argued that the push for jamming is a response to their use of phones to report civil rights violations and prevent institutional cover-ups.