Wireless

Industries Opposed to FCC Prison Jamming Proposal

Trade groups, companies suggested small-scale trials before moving forward.

Jake Neenan

Jan 5, 2026 — 3 min read

Photo of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr at a Senate hearing in 2020, from Jonathan Newton/ Washington Post via AP

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2025 – Mobile carriers are strongly opposed to the Federal Communications Commission’s plan to allow state and local prisons to jam contraband phones.

The proposal has the backing of state prison agencies and GOP attorneys general.

“The Commission should refrain from authorizing an unlawful and unsound solution to confront contraband devices – all the more so given the proven effectiveness and superiority of” current prevention measures, mobile industry group CTIA wrote in comments posted Tuesday, Dec. 30.

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Wireless FCC Brendan Carr CTIA Anna Gomez Verizon South Carolina

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