Jammers are prohibited

Anyone who uses a jammer prevents mobile phone traffic. This can be used to block emergency calls in the event of an accident or the alerting of blue-light organizations, according to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) stressed. But it could also cause serious problems in civil aviation, which is increasingly using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to improve navigation performance and air traffic control monitoring activities.

Huge fines threaten

Jammers are also known as "blockers" or "jammers". Anyone who uses them can expect heavy fines. According to the Telecommunications Act, the use of jammers is tantamount to deliberate interference with the radio frequency spectrum, which can be punished with a fine of up to CHF 100,000.

Some jammers can be used to interfere not only with cell phone bands (GSM, UMTS, LTE, etc.), but also with positioning systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, etc.), data transmission networks (WLAN, etc.) or wireless alarm systems. While the devices used to be used only to prevent cell phone calls in trains, restaurants or cinemas, they are now also used for criminal acts, according to Bakom: expensive cars or trucks loaded with valuable goods can be stolen more easily if the tracking system is put out of operation. But home burglaries are also made much easier when the alarm system is "neutralized."

Jammers for authorities

The situation is different in prisons. Inmates can use cell phones to organize criminal acts or plan an escape. Another example is the defusing of explosive objects that can be detonated by radio. The Telecommunications Act explicitly allows for penal institutions and police authorities to use jamming equipment to prevent mobile phone calls within their radius. However, the operation of such equipment is subject to authorization, Bakom emphasizes. (pd/rs)