Overview

• The FCC voted unanimously Tuesday to begin rulemaking that would authorize targeted jamming of illegal cellphones in state and local prisons.
• Under the Communications Act of 1934, only federal prisons can use jammers today, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is proposing to treat contraband use as unauthorized to overcome that barrier.
• South Carolina leaders, including U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling and corrections chief Joel Anderson, praised the step as a safety measure, noting more than 2,600 phones seized last year and roughly 300 in August.
• Wireless industry group CTIA opposes jamming and favors Managed Access Systems, citing risks to lawful and emergency communications near facilities.
• Legal experts warn the strategy could face court challenges, and the commission has not set a date for a final vote after the comment period.