FCC taking steps that would allow US prisons to jam prisoners’ cellphone signals

FCC to Vote on Allowing Cellphone Jamming in Prisons

Allowing this type of jamming in jails would mean partially lifting the federal ban on cellphone jamming, which prohibits blocking authorized communications.

FCC to consider allowing prison cellphone jamming, following push from Arkansas senator

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton speaks at a press conference on contraband cellphone jamming in Little Rock on Sept. 5, 2025, flanked by Attorney General Tom Cotton (right) and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (far left). (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)The Trump administration is moving to partially lift a blanket federal prohibition on cellphone jamming, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said Friday — a move in line with efforts led by Arkansas Sen. Tom Cot…

FCC chairman wants prisons to jam cell phone signals

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr (far right) meets with federal and prison officials ahead of a proposed vote on jamming cell phone signals in detention centers. (Courtesy photo) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on a proposal later this month that will allow prisons, jails and other detention facilities to jam cell phone signals along their perimeter. The proposal was revealed during a press event on Friday, during which FCC Chairm…

FCC to consider allowing prisons and jails to jam cellphones despite federal ban

State and federal officials gathered in the Bob R. Brooks Jr. Justice Building in downtown Little Rock Friday afternoon to announce that the Federal Communications Commission will vote later this month on a proposal to lift a federal prohibition on state prisons and local jails using jamming technology to prevent cellphone use. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R), Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sand…

FCC chair announces plans to help rid Arkansas prisons and jails of cell phones

The FCC will vote at its next meeting to lift a federal ban on using cell phone jamming devices at prisons and jails across the country.

FCC taking steps that would allow US prisons to jam prisoners' cellphone signals

Federal officials are moving a step closer to allowing state and federal prisons to jam cellphone signals from devices smuggled to inmates.