The FCC prohibits the use of signal jammers by any group other than law enforcement agencies. It has been seeking to levy its largest fine to date against a Chinese electronics seller who claimed to have the commission's approval to sell the disruptive products in the United States.
The FCC has a long history of fining individuals and large companies alike for the sale, purchase and use of signal jammers. While first responders communicate over encrypted frequencies, signal jammers can prevent citizens from communicating with the authorities and calling in emergencies. Use of illegal jammers has been classified as a felony crime.
On June 19, the FCC stated its intent to fine C.T.S. Technology Co. $34.9 million, alleging the Chinese electronics vendor marketed 285 models of signal jammers to U.S. consumers under false pretexts for more than two years. The FCC assessed the maximum fine for each model of signal jammer C.T.S. was said to have marketed to U.S. consumers.
Along with the fine, the FCC stated it will order C.T.S. to end its marketing of jamming equipment to U.S. consumers. The commission's order also requires C.T.S. to release information pertaining to the sale of the company's jamming equipment to individuals and organizations within the U.S.
"All companies, whether domestic or foreign, are banned from marketing illegal jammers in the U.S.," said Travis LeBlanc, acting chief of the Enforcement Bureau. "Signal jammers present a direct danger to public safety, potentially blocking the communications of first responders. Operating a jammer is also illegal, and consumers who do so face significant civil and criminal penalties."
Signal jammers block, jam or interfere with authorized communcations and are designed to execute denial of service, or DOS, attacks. Such attacks have become popular as digital activists have overloaded web servers to shut down websites owned by controversial organizations.
Signal jammers can disrupt communications by broadcasting on the same frequencies used by cell phones, Wi-Fi networks and GPS systems. The devices can blanket frequencies with unpleasant tones or audio recordings to disrupt wireless communications.
A Florida vigilante made news in May when he allegedly used a signal jammer to block cell phone towers near highways he used to prevent motorists from making or receiving calls on their cell phones. After MetroPCS noticed inexplicable outages around its cell towers, the wireless carrier contacted the authorities, there was further investigation, and the vigilante was fined $48,000.
Subsequent tests of the man's jammer determined that the device could block three bands used by cell phone towers. His use of the device, which he deployed while riding in his automobile, was said to have covered a span of 16 to 24 months.
Citizens with knowledge of the sale or use of unauthorized jammers have been asked by the FCC to report the incidents to the FCC Enforcement Bureau's complaint portal online or to call 1-888-225-5322. Citizens or organizations may arrange to voluntarily turn in signal jammers by contacting the FCC by e-mail at JammerInfo@fcc.gov.
