Contraband Cell Phone Use in Prisons

NTIA sought comment on technical approaches to preventing contraband cell phone use in prisons. NTIA developed, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the National Institute of Justice, a report to evaluate how wireless jamming, detection and other technologies might be utilized for law enforcement and corrections applications in Federal and State prison facilities. 

Contraband Cell Phones in Prisons, Possible Wireless Technology Solutions: NTIA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), has identified and evaluated several technology solutions that can be used in a prison environment, including jamming, managed access, and detection techniques. This report presents a comprehensive overview and evaluation of those technologies. (1.1 MB PDF file)
Posted December 29, 2010

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard J. Orsulak, Emergency Planning and Public Safety Division, Office of Spectrum Management, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1212 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 600B, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 482–9139 or email rorsulak@ntia.doc.gov.

  -   Notice of Inquiry (73KB pdf file)
  -   Comments Received
  -   Press Release (112KB pdf print version)

Related Reports
  -   NTIA Report TR-10-466 (May 2010), Emission Measurements of a Cellular and PCS Jammer at a Prison Facility (3.3MB pdf file)
  -   NTIA Technical Memorandum 10-468 (May 2010), Initial Assessment of the Potential Impact From a Jamming Transmitter on Selected In-Band and Out-of-Band Receivers (1.6MB pdf file)
  -   NTIA Report TR-10-465 (February 2010), Emission Measurement Results for a Cellular and PCS Signal-Jamming Transmitter