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Last Updated: Jul 21, 2011 - 12:29:54 PM

Federal Communications Commission

445 12^th St., S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20554

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

                Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

CELL JAMMERS, GPS JAMMERS, and OTHER JAMMING DEVICES

CONSUMERS BEWARE:   It is Unlawful to Use “Cell Jammers” and Other Equipment

that Blocks, Jams, or Interferes with Authorized Radio Communications in the U.S.

In recent years, the number of websites offering  “cell jammers” or similar devices designed to block communications and create a “quiet zone” in vehicles, schools, theaters, restaurants, and other places has increased substantially.   While these devices are marketed under different names − such as signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers − they have the same purpose.   We remind consumers that it is a violation of federal law to use devices that intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications such as cell phones, police radar, GPS, and Wi-Fi. [1]   Despite some marketers’ claims, consumers cannot legally use cell and GPS jammers within the United States, nor can retailers lawfully sell them.

Why are jammers prohibited?   Use of jamming devices can place you or other people in danger.   For instance, jammers can prevent 9-1-1 and other emergency phone calls from getting through or interfere with law enforcement communications (ambulance, fire, police, etc).   In order to protect the public and ensure access to emergency and other communications services, without interference, the FCC strictly prohibits the use, marketing, manufacture, and sale of jammers.

What happens if you use a jammer?   Operation of a jammer in the United States is illegal and may subject you to substantial monetary penalties, seizure of the unlawful equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment. [2]   Therefore, this advisory emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with the legal prohibition against jammers.        

Need more information?   To file a complaint, visit www.fcc.gov/complaints or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.   For additional information regarding enforcement of the jamming prohibition, visit www.fcc.gov/eb/jammerenforcement or contact Kevin Pittman or Neal McNeil of the Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-1160 or jammerinfo@fcc.gov.   Media inquiries should be directed to David Fiske at (202) 418-0513 or David.Fiske@fcc.gov.