Should the state control the use of jammers?

The use of cell phone jammers proposed by the Lithgow Correctional Center has entered a new stage, and the communications authority Telecos is testing whether it should be fully tested. In June last year, the Newsk Corrective Action Department sought a technical attempt to stop prisoners from using the phone illegally.

Attempts in high-security facilities require exceptions to the interference-free regulations issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). If the attempt is successful, the jamming technology can be fully utilized in the prison.

Regulators say it can also provide valuable data for future consideration in other regions. But ACMA said it was concerned about the impact of "continuous use of jammers in certain places."

The regulatory agency stated that a technical and regulatory framework should be established to reduce the possibility of harmful interference to radio communications (including cellular networks) outside the experimental facility.

ACMA said in a discussion paper: "This requires an important connection with the telecommunications industry, especially with mobile phones." "The use of interfering phones in prisons is a complex technical challenge.

"Even if the equipment is limited to high-security facilities, these facilities can be located where radio spectrum is used, and communicate legally with nearby residential areas or roads in public areas.

"Electromagnetic emission (EME) standards must also be considered to ensure that the continuous operation of the equipment does not negatively affect the health of personnel and passengers."

The last time the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) considered using portable jammer in prison was in 2003. For the purpose of testing noise, the regulatory agency has previously granted prohibition regulations.

Telstra was allowed to test equipment in shielded rooms on behalf of the Australian Federal Police in 2006.

ACMA said the test should help determine the feasibility of using cell phone jammers in prisons.