Anyone who has had to endure listening to an inappropriate cell phone conversation in a public place could appreciate the possibility of blocking the signal to all mobile telephone traffic, at least temporarily. The technology for cell phone jammers is relatively simple and has been widely marketed to the general public. However, cell phone jammers are actually illegal in much of the world, largely because of the safety issues involved.
How Cell Phone Jammers Work
Cell phone jammers work by creating a "dead zone" in the immediate vicinity of the device, which temporarily blocks the signals that make cell phone transmission possible. Most commercially marketed cell phone jammers are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand or in a pocket. The tradeoff is that their range is limited to an average 50 to 80 feet. Larger and more powerful cell phone jammers have a range that can be measured in miles.
Geography of Cell Phone Jammers
Cell phone jammers work on the same frequency wavelengths as global system for mobile communication or groupe special mobile (GSM) phones. That is, different cell phone jammers are programmed to block the signals of cell phones commonly used in specific parts of the world. Therefore, a cell phone jammer programmed for cell phone signals in North America would be of no use in Europe or Asia.
Cell Phone Jammers and Security
Government agencies use cell phone jammers as a deterrent to terrorist activity. Terrorists have used cell phones as remote detonators for bombs on more than once occasion. The cell phones are planted near a bomb, which is set off when the terorrists make a call to the planted cell phone. The electromagnetic waves created ignite the bomb and set it off. This happened in May 2002 when Palestinian militants in Tel Aviv used a cell phone to detonate a bomb in a fuel truck headed for a fuel depot. Cell phone jammers block the transmission, which would create the electromagnetic waves necessary to detonate the bomb.
Commercial Uses for Cell Phone Jammers
Cell phone jammers can be installed in movie theaters, casinos, churches, classrooms or any environment where cell phone use is inappropriate. Cell phone jammers can also prevent one form of corporate espionage. A corporate spy could bring into a meeting a cell phone that appears to be powered off, when it is actually on and receptive. The same spy could leave the phone at her place in the meeting and excuse herself. While she is out of the room, she could call the phone, which would not light up or make any sounds that might alert the other attendants of the meeting, then listen in on the conversation.
Dangers of Cell Phone Jammers
Individuals in the United States are barred from purchasing or owning cell phone jammers. Regulations differ in other parts of the world, but many European countries especially bar the use of cell phone jammers due to the inherent dangers of using them. Because they block all cell phone signals, they could prevent emergency calls from getting through if they are used near a hospital or fire station. Criminals could also use cell phone jammers to prevent potential victims from calling for help
Tags: cell phone, phone jammers, cell phone, cell phone, cell phone, cell phone jammers, cell phones