New GPS Jamming Tip Line Announced: (1-855-55-NOJAM)
31 Jan 2013A new tip line (1-855-55-NOJAM) hopes to discourage GPS jamming through public participation.
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau recently announced a new tip line that should make it easier to report jammers.
This includes:
- reporting individuals using jammers and
- reporting stores that are selling jamming devices.
- reporting advertising or marketing of jamming devices
The purpose is to make it easier to freely report using or selling illegal jamming devices by setting up a toll-free line.
What are GPS Jamming Devices?
Jamming devices, also known as GPS jammers, cell phone jammers, and GPS blockers, have the ability to block communications. It is more common for them to block or jam GPS signals, but they also have the ability to block transmissions through text messages, mobile phone calls, and Wi-Fi connections. These jamming devices use radio frequency transmitters in order to purposely jam communications.
It is currently against the law to use, sell, import, ship, or advertise GPS jamming devices whether on public or private property. These devices interfere with communications — such as 9-1-1 emergency calls and police and fire emergency response — and therefore become dangerous to the public, not to mention an invasion of personal freedoms.
“We need consumers to be our eyes and ears. Jammers do not just weed out noisy or annoying conversations and disable unwanted GPS tracking, they can prevent 9-1-1 and other emergency phone calls from getting through in a time of need,” said Michele Ellison, chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.
The FCC is asking the public to call the toll-free number at 1-855-55-NOJAM (855-556-6526) if they notice the use or distribution of GPS jammers or other jamming devices. This includes:
- An employer operating a jamming device in the workplace
- Being aware of the use of a jamming device that blocks GPS or cell phone signals
- Witnessing a jamming device being used at school or college
- Seeing advertisements for jamming devices or the sale of the devices at local stores or mass transit such as buses or trains.
All calls to the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau will be answered and responded by experienced staff. The FCC is asking the public to provide as much detail as possible, such as the date and time you witnessed the jammer being used, distributed, or advertised. If you know specific names or contact information, that is extremely helpful. Callers will be asked for their contact information, but will remain anonymous.
With public participation, the illegal use and sale of jamming devices can be stopped.
For more information, visit the FCC Jammer Enforcement page.
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