U.S. restaurant avoids FCC fine for killing mobile phone calls

Washington (DC) - A restaurant owner in Maryland bought a device that causes cell phone conversations to be cut off, only to find himself face-to-face with the Federal Communications Commission.

The New York Times reports that FCC investigators went to the restaurant after receiving reports that the owner bought a "jammer" - a device that kills all cell phone calls within a given radius.

It accomplishes this by sending out ultra powerful radio waves that momentarily overpower cell phone signals in the surrounding area. But sending out these kinds of waves is illegal.

The owner of the restaurant reportedly bought a $1,000 jammer, an expensive model compared to some of the more consumer-oriented devices available. Investigators from the FCC scoped out the restaurant for about a week but were unable to find any traces of a jammer.

The owner told the Times in anonymity that he turned off the device before the investigators’ arrival. A first-time offense for using a jammer could lead to a fine of up to $11,000.

Most of the jammers circulating the US have come from India, which has no such laws regarding radio wave output. Imported sales to North America have been increasing rapidly over the past year.

Jammers are available in various sizes and power. A typical consumer model is about the size of a cigarette box and has one button. Push it and anyone within 30 feet on their cell phone will notice their call has been dropped.

The device combats people who talk too loudly on their phones, an everyday annoyance for some commuters, or in the case of the restaurant owner, insubordination of employees.

The law is in place so that people do not interfere with emergency communications. An unfortunately located jammer could cut off a link between an ambulance driver and a hospital.

Jeffrey Nelson, a Verizon spokesperson, told the New York Times that he was somewhat baffled by the innovation, saying, "It’s counterintuitive that when the demand is clear and strong from wireless consumers for improved cell coverage, that these kinds of devices are finding a market."