Cell phone jammers successfully blocked the disruptive chatter of Florida commuters(0)

A cellphone-free zone surrounding their cars is a coveted concept for numerous drivers. However, the daily actions of a Florida man, who reportedly achieved this, did not necessarily contribute to a safer highway.

According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, Jason R. Humphreys, a resident of Seffner, Florida, was discovered to have operated a cellphone jammer in his Toyota Highlander sport-utility vehicle for a duration of two years. This illicit behavior occurred during his daily commute, but he was eventually located and apprehended by both the FCC and the local sheriff.

Humphreys stated to the FCC that he utilized the vehicle cell phone jammer to prevent individuals from engaging in cellphone conversations while operating a vehicle. It is worth mentioning that in Florida, talking on a cellphone while driving is permissible, even without a hands-free kit, although texting while driving is prohibited.

Not only do jammers prevent consumers from making emergency calls, but they can disrupt critical communications by safety agencies, the FCC said. Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies confirmed that firsthand when they pulled Humphreys over. They said their two-way portable radios lost contact with the dispatcher as they got close to the SUV.

A stretch of Interstate 4, spanning from Seffner to downtown Tampa, approximately 12 miles apart, caught the attention of Metro PCS, the regional mobile operator now owned by T-Mobile USA. On April 29, 2013, Metro PCS notified the FCC about interference issues affecting their cell towers along this route during the morning and evening commutes. Prompted by this report, the FCC conducted an investigation utilizing direction-finding techniques, ultimately identifying strong wideband emissions emanating from a blue Highlander.

After halting the SUV, FCC agents and sheriff's deputies engaged in a discussion with Humphreys and proceeded to meticulously examine the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of the signal blocker, cleverly concealed behind a seat cover on the backseat, as confirmed by the FCC. Humphreys allegedly confessed to utilizing the jammer during his daily commute for a period of 16 to 24 months. Subsequent testing revealed that the device possessed the capability to interfere with cell signals across three distinct bands.

The allegations against Humphreys involve the unauthorized operation of a jammer, the use of an illegal device, and the deliberate interference caused.