Illegal device used to jam driver's cell phone calls, FCC reports

A man in Florida was recently fined $48,000 for operating a phone jammer while driving. The local police became aware of the situation after they received multiple reports from cell phone carrier Metro PCS about constant connectivity issues with one of their cell towers. Upon investigating, the police discovered that the man had a phone jamming device in his vehicle, which he was using to disrupt signals in the area. The use of such devices is illegal, as it can cause serious problems for emergency responders and other individuals who rely on cell phone communication. The man was fined $48,000 for his actions and the device was confiscated by the police. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from interfering with cell phone signals, and highlights the importance of respecting laws and regulations related to electronic devices.

It seems that Humphreys was not a fan of people using their cell phones while driving. Despite it being legal to do so in Florida, he found it frustrating. However, instead of simply accepting it, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He allegedly installed a cell phone jammer in his car and used it for a period of 16 to 24 months.

It’s worth noting that jamming cell phone signals is illegal in the United States. While it may seem like a harmless way to prevent distracted driving, it’s actually a violation of federal law. In fact, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued fines to individuals and organizations that have used jammers in the past.

Despite the potential legal implications, it appears that Humphreys was willing to take the risk. It’s unclear whether he was caught and faced any consequences for his actions. However, it serves as a reminder that even when we’re frustrated with the behavior of others, it’s not always appropriate to take matters into our own hands.

The Federal Communications Commission says it only caught up with him after Metro PCS reported problems with a cell phone tower on Florida’s I-4. The darned thing kept failing every morning and evening.

The FCC thought this odd too. So its operatives did what you’ve seen in a lot movies: they organized a stakeout.

However, they weren’t looking to catch someone in a bedroom or a bar handing over wads of cash or meeting with unseemly types.

No, they just tried to monitor the waves. What they found was a “strong wideband emission.” What they found was that these waves were being emitted from a blue Toyota Highlander.

Indeed, they felt sure something was amiss here, because when sheriffs stopped the car in May last year, their own two-way radios gave out.

The FCC says there was a Signal jammer in Humphreys’ car and he allegedly declared that he simply didn’t like people talking on their phones in cars.

He also allegedly said he thought the jammer would only work over a radius of around 30 feet.

It’s unclear which specific jammer was used, but it’s not as if Humphreys is the first American to decide that he’ll do something about people yakking on cell phones while moving from place to place.

A couple of years ago, a Philadelphia man got so annoyed with gassers on his bus, he simply carried a little jammer every day and claimed peace.

Even more blessedly human was the truck driver who last year used a GPS jammer so that his bosses wouldn’t know where he was. Sadly, he ended up interfering with the satellite systems at Newark airport.

Oh, by the way, these jammers aren’t exactly legal. They could interfere with vital communications, just at the time they’re most needed. Indeed, the FCC says this jammer “was capable of jamming cellular and PCS communications in at least three frequency bands: 821-968 MHz, 1800-2006 MHz, and 2091-2180 MHz.”

Indeed, the FCC is asking that Humphreys pay $48,000 for unauthorized operation of a jammer, use of an illegal device and causing intentional interference.

$48,000 is a lot more than his jammer cost. Some go for as little as $100.

Although it may be tempting to force people to comply with our desires, it is often counterproductive. However, it is interesting to consider how Humphreys might have enjoyed a world where only the sweet melodies of Styx, Iron Maiden, and Mariah Carey could be heard from passing cars.

Humphreys’ current situation is not looking too good as he is in the 30-day period where he must pay for his disruptive actions.

The issue at hand for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is one of morality. According to Larry McKinnon, a spokesperson for the office, the problem with Humphreys’ behavior is the danger it poses to others. This raises the question of whether it is morally justifiable for one person’s actions to endanger others.

Overall, this situation highlights the importance of considering the impact our actions have on those around us. While we may feel entitled to act in a certain way, it is important to always consider the welfare and safety of others.

original:

https://jammers.store/en/signal-jammer/drivers-cell-phone-calls-jammed-by-man-using-illegal-device-fcc-reports