Wireless carriers and industry groups have urged the FCC to abandon a proposal allowing prisons to jam contraband cell phones, arguing it would disrupt emergency and lawful communications. The plan, proposed by Chairman Brendan Carr in September 2025, has support from Republican attorneys general and prison phone providers but faces strong opposition over technical limitations. Public comments closed in late December 2025, leaving the FCC to consider next steps.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is weighing a controversial proposal to permit state and local prisons to use radio frequency jamming to block contraband cell phones smuggled inside facilities. Issued in September 2025 by Chairman Brendan Carr, the plan aims to address the influx of illegal devices used for criminal activities, including drug operations and witness intimidation. "Contraband cellphones have been pouring into state and local prisons by the tens of thousands every year," Carr stated, noting that prior measures like contraband interdiction systems have proven insufficient.
The proposal would authorize non-federal operation of jamming solutions for the first time, potentially creating "dead zones" within prisons. Supporters include 23 Republican state attorneys general, who highlighted how inmates use smuggled phones to "coordinate criminal enterprises, intimidate witnesses, and orchestrate violence." Prison phone companies such as Global Tel*Link (ViaPath) and NCIC Correctional Services also back the idea, viewing it as a tool to boost reliance on official systems and restrict access in smaller jails.
However, major wireless carriers and trade groups have filed sharp objections. The CTIA, representing the industry, warned in December 29 comments that "jamming will block all communications, not just communications from contraband devices," including 911 calls, and asserted the FCC lacks authority to permit it. AT&T echoed this, calling the framework based on a "flawed factual premise" since jammers cannot differentiate between authorized and unauthorized devices. "There is no way to jam some communications on a spectrum band but not others," AT&T wrote, referencing the FCC's own 2013 explanation that such devices render all wireless signals on affected frequencies unusable.
Telecom groups like the Telecommunications Industry Association noted that risks have grown with increased wireless broadband use, potentially disrupting services inside and outside facilities. The Wi-Fi Alliance raised alarms about impacts on unlicensed spectrum, arguing it would undermine shared-use principles. The GPS Innovation Alliance warned of spillover effects on adjacent bands.
Opponents promote alternatives like Managed Access Systems (MAS), which create private networks to intercept contraband signals without broad interference, allowing 911 and approved calls to proceed. The FCC's notice suggested a pilot program to test risks, an idea some carriers supported. With comments now closed, Carr must decide whether to advance, revise, or drop the plan at the Republican-majority commission.
