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Do You Own A Mobile Phone Jammer?

January 30th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

I just read an old story on The Telegraph about how mobile phone jammers are becoming popular in America, which allow their users to cut off other people’s mobile phone calls at the press of a button. Buyers reportedly include restaurateurs, hair salon owners, hoteliers, bus drivers and commuters.

Apparently they are becoming so popular that mobile phone companies are beginining to get worried.I would love to have one of these devices, as I really hate listening to other people screaming down the phone, but I’m pretty sure something like this is illegal in the UK. What I’d prefer though is a device that makes my signal get gradually worse, so that I can occassionally pretend I’ve been cut off!

I seem to remember a company launching a similar service a few years ago, which would create background noise to cover where you really were e.g. if you overslept it would add a train station announcer to the background, so that your boss would think you were stuck in a station, rather than calling from a bedroom!

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About the Author

Everton is based in London and has worked in the internet and mobile space for over ten years now, and before that worked in corporate strategy and consulting. He has a degree in Economics from Cambridge University, and currently runs the Portal and online operations for one of the largest ISPs in the UK. He also writes for Windows 7 News.

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There Are 6 Responses So Far. »

#1

Comment by Verdican on 31 January 2008:

They are quite popular these days. Luckily, they are illegal in almost every country. While it is legal to own a Cell Phone Jammer in the UK, it’s illegal to use it. (Ironic don’t you think? What’s the point of owning one if you can’t use it? I doubt you could threaten that annoying neighbor across the street with one.)

I also find it odd that American’s would be the one’s who mess around with these Mobile Phone Jammers. In America, not only is it illegal to own one, it’s also illegal to manufacture, advertise, import, sell, and operate it. American’s could even be fined $11,000 and be sent to jail for a year. Guess we American’s love to live on the edge of life…

And to answer your question; No, I do not own a Mobile Phone jammer. I’m saving up my money for a new computer. No need to risk getting fined $11,000.
#2

Comment by Shashank on 31 January 2008:

For those who want to create one for themself
http://www.ladyada.net/make/wavebubble/index.html
#3

Comment by CCTV guru on 31 January 2008:

Yes, interfering with telecommunications is classed as treason, or something like that. Sounds neat, though, doesn’t it? What I’d like on the train is an iPod jammer…
#4

Comment by office-boy on 31 January 2008:

Is it really illegal to jam a mobile phone signal on your own premises? For instance, if you’re an employer and you want to ban mobile phones, surely it makes sense to jam the signal? I can’t see why that should be illegal.

What if you ‘incidentally’ jam a mobile phone signal, like building big thick walls with lead in the them?
#5

Comment by Smackall on 1 February 2008:

Wow, I would love to have such a device with me. I really hate people showing off as if they are busy.
#6

Comment by Paulx on 22 February 2008:

First person to invent an Ipod Jammer will be a rich man!
I personaly am fed up with inconsiderate people…mainly 16-30 year old males sharing their choice of “music” with the whole carriage…the personal in ‘personal stereo’ now apparently means ’sod everyone else’.

Px