The FCC issued a warning in a Public Notice that The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, as well as its Rules prohibit the manufacturing, importation, marketing, sale or operation of transmitters designed to prevent, jam or interfere with the operation of cellular and PCS telephones. Also, the commission noted "it is unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously interfere with the radio communications of any station licensed or authorized under the Act or operated by the U.S. Government. Breaking these laws can result in a first offense fine of up to $11,000 per day for each violation, confiscation of equipment and criminal prosecution."
The FCC has seen a growing interest in cellular "jammers" and noted that inquiries about the devices are usually accompanied by suggestions that "the use of wireless phones in public places is disruptive and annoying," according to a Public Notice.
The notice also said, "Advertisements for cellular jammers suggest that the devices may be used on commuter trains, in theaters, hotels, restaurants and other locations the public frequents."
While there seems to be some public support for devices that prevent cell phone use in public areas, people that use these illegal devices probably do not realize that they not only interrupt the cell phone conversation of that loud mouth on the other side of the restaurant, but will also prevent the doctor at the table next to them from receiving a life-or-death phone call or prevent someone they can't see near the restaurant who needs assistance from calling for help. While I can see some would consider this a tough call, if I had to chose between the obnoxious loud mouth and the selfish cell phone jammer, I'd have to side with the obnoxious loud month. Of course, if all cell phone users considered the people around them when chatting on their phones, such a situation shouldn't exist!
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