Illinois Cell Phone Jammer Law
Cell phone laws vary from state to state. In Illinois, as in other states, however, blocking others' cell phone usage with "jammers" is a federally regulated no-no, leaving the use of such devices within the jurisdiction of federal institutions.
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The Device
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Jammers interfere with phone-to-tower frequencies. Cell phone jammers are miniature devices that interrupt cellular service. By sending out the same radio waves as cell phones, jammers take over the airwaves so that cell phones cannot receive the signal being sent out by service providers. This can take place in spaces ranging from a dozen feet to five miles, depending on the size of the unit.
Approved Locations
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Though Illinois is one of the few states in the U.S. to have a manufacturing plant for these devices, they are only approved for federal use in prisons and terrorist-prevention efforts. No civilians may legally use a jammer of any size for any reason; Illinois is no exception.
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Warning
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Cell phone jammers are fairly easy to come by, even as a U.S. citizen. There are overseas websites that will ship to American consumers at the buyer's risk. The Federal Communication Commission will fine violators up to $11,000 per offense and has ways of tracking the devices. With the jammer's ever-growing popularity, the FCC has begun to increase its efforts to crack down on illegal use.
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References
- Photo Credit suspicious cell phone man image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com cell phone tower image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
