The 8 Most Asked Questions about Signal Jammers: What is it? (2024)

What is a Cell Phone Signal Jammer?

A mobile phone signal jammer is a device that blocks reception between cell towers and mobile phones. Developed for use by the military and law enforcement, these devices were originally created to combat threats like cell phone-triggered explosives and hostage situations.

How Do Cell Phone Signal Jammers Work?

Known as cell jammers, signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers, a cell phone signal jammer holds up the radio frequency in a given area, creating a sort of signal traffic jam that blocks all communication. Like a radio silence bubble, no calls or texts can be sent or received as long as the user is within range of the cell phone signal blocker.

Are Cell Phone Signal Jammers Legal?

If the prospect of a cell phone signal blocker sweeps your imagination off to the secret machinations of an evil Bond villain plotting away in his lair, you’re not alone. That’s why —you guessed it — it is illegal to sell, advertise, distribute, or operate cell signal booster jammers in the United States, as well as much of the world.

Because mobile signal jammer devices intentionally interfere with “authorized radio communications”, the FCC believes that cellular and WiFi signal jammer devices “pose serious risks to critical public safety communications, and can prevent you and others from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls… (and) also interfere with law enforcement communications.”

In addition to public safety concerns, radio frequencies are legally protected by The Communications Act of 1934, which outlaws interference with authorized radio broadcasts.

So, Why are Cell Phone Signal Jammers Used?

Proponents of such technology argue that signal jammer devices are necessary in many of the places where humans just can’t seem to observe the widely accepted rules of proper cell phone etiquette. Think schools, theaters, vehicles, or an otherwise quiet train ride… pretty much any venue where talking, texting, streaming and the like might be deemed disruptive or even dangerous.

Keep in mind, a mobile signal jammer will not only block voice and text on your phone, it also interferes with GPS, WiFi, and probably most problematic of all — police radar. That’s why, as mentioned above, the Federal Government has banned the sale, promotion, and use of cell phone signal jammers in the US. So if you were envisioning a little peace and quiet, courtesy of a shiny new signal blocker, you might just have to settle for ear plugs.

Does a Cell Phone Signal Jammer Block a Cell Phone Signal Booster?

Unfortunately, yes, a mobile signal jammer will interfere with your signal booster. Signal boosters work by amplifying an existing signal, but if that cellular signal is blocked, it doesn’t matter how strong it is — the signal jammer will run interference.

Do Cell Signal Amplifiers Stop Signal Jammers?

While cell phone signal amplifiers are an excellent tool for strengthening reception in rural areas, on the road, or when building materials get in the way, they are not yet an effective defense against cell phone signal jammers. As it stands, any signal jammer is also a signal booster jammer.

How Do I Detect a Signal Jammer?

The most common symptom of cell phone signal jammer interference is, you guessed it, dropped service. While apps do exist that claim to detect signal jammers, they are largely unproven, and require a working signal to function. Without highly advanced, military-level technology at hand, it is virtually impossible for the average consumer to definitively detect a cell phone jammer.

However, if you suspect illegal activity of this sort, contact law enforcement or file a complaint with the FCC.

How Do I Stop a Cell Signal Jammer?

Unless you can physically locate the jammer itself — which usually looks like a walkie-talkie, a cell phone, or a wireless router — and disable it, blocking signal jammers is not your most viable option.

If you’re tech savvy enough to switch the frequency on which your phone operates, you might have some luck working around the jammer as well. But it does depend on the sophistication of the jammer that’s blocking your signal.

If you suspect you may be the victim of a cell phone signal jammer attack, your best bet is to relocate. Cell phone signal jammers don’t usually broadcast beyond more than 30 square feet, so moving away from your current position is usually enough to escape the jammer’s range.

Again, contact law enforcement or file a complaint with the FCC if you are being victimized by someone using a cell phone signal blocker.

Sources

https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-jammer.htm

https://www.fcc.gov/general/jamming-cell-phones-and-gps-equipment-against-law

https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-protect-your-smartphone-from-cell-phone-jammers

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/technology/04jammer.html

https://www.fcc.gov/general/jammer-enforcement

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