041/06
11 May 2006

Telstra to test mobile phone ‘smart’ jammer

Telstra will undertake a laboratory test of a mobile phone ‘smart’ jammer, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has given approval for the device to be imported into Australia to test the low-impact technology in a closed laboratory environment. The technology may be useful in blocking mobile phone signals used by inmates in prisons.

“The Government has previously opposed the use of jammers because of strong evidence that they interfered with legitimate telecommunications signals including those used by emergency services and posed serious safety issues,” Senator Coonan said.

“However, technological advances in jamming equipment mean devices now being built may result in less interference to other mobile phone users.

“This limited testing provides the opportunity for a number of technical issues to be considered in more detail and to fully assess the effectiveness of the device.

“The results of this laboratory testing, being undertaken on behalf of the Australian Federal Police, will be considered before deciding whether to permit additional trials, including a prison trial.”

Mobile telephone jammers are radiocommunications devices designed to deliberately interfere with licensed radiocommunications services operated by mobile carriers and other licensed users.

The Radiocommunications Act 1992 prohibits the use of mobile telephone jamming devices. Telstra sought an exemption from ACMA to conduct this trial. ACMA intends to permit the importation of the new ‘smart’ jammer for testing in a sealed laboratory only.

“Testing in such an environment will ensure that there is no interference to licensed radiocommunications services, including emergency services,” Senator Coonan said.

“This is only the first step in testing this new technology and there are still concerns about the impact that jammers may have on legitimate telecommunications signals. This trial will provide information on the degree to which new devices have the potential to minimise these concerns.

“I continue to encourage State and Territory Governments to crack down on contraband mobile phones in prisons as the best preventative measure for stopping mobile phone calls from prisons.”