FCC Plans Vote on Prison Cellphone Jamming Nationwide

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote on a proposal that would allow prisons and jails to use targeted cellphone jamming technology to combat the widespread issue of contraband phones used by inmates to orchestrate criminal activities. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, along with officials including Senator Tom Cotton, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, emphasized the security risks posed by these illegal devices and supported the initiative as a necessary measure to enhance public safety and restore law and order. The proposal aims to de-authorize contraband cellphone communications within correctional facilities, enabling jamming without violating federal law, though its implementation would be at the discretion of state and local authorities. Concerns remain about potential interference with legitimate phone use by prison staff, and the proposal does not mandate universal adoption across all facilities. The FCC plans to vote on this measure during its September 30 meeting, with expectations that if approved, it will take effect next year.