FCC chair wants to let prisons jam illegal cellphones

The US Federal Communications Commission plans to vote on a new rule next month that would allow state prisons and jails to use cellphone jammers. The FCC aims to prevent inmates from using unauthorized cellphones, as outside communication can enable them to continue criminal activities. The rule change would require state and local incarceration facilities to opt-in to using jammers, and their use would not be mandatory.

Using signal-interfering technology is illegal for non-federal entities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons initiated micro-jammer testing in federal prisons in 2018 to block unauthorized cellphone use by inmates, potentially paving the way for similar tools at state and local levels. This move represents a shift from the FCC's previous stance of not permitting jammers as a means to reduce illegal cellphone use in prisons.

Concerns about jammers previously included interference with emergency and public safety communications, as well as the risk of putting more jamming tools into circulation, potentially exploited by malicious actors. If the new rules are adopted, correctional facilities must comply with specific standards, such as demonstrating that the jamming solution does not cause harmful interference outside of designated geographic areas.

The FCC's decision today is not the first change in its approach to prisons under the current administration. In July 2025, the department delayed implementing a cap on the rates charged for prison phone calls.