School scraps cell phone jammer program KHQ-TV updated 9:30 a.m. CT, Wed., March. 11, 2009
SPOKANE, Wash. - Just days after testing a cell phone jammer designed to block students from calling and texting during class, a Spokane area school has scrapped the program. Administrators at Mt. Spokane High School used the jammer during class periods last week to prevent students from texting. The jammer blocked all cell phone service within about a 30-foot radius. Administrators at Mt. Spokane tested the device, and then waited for clarification from the District as to whether the device was legal. Authorities at the District say their technology department reviewed FCC code and decided the jammer was probably not legal. The FCC has several postings on their web site related to cell phone jammers. KHQ found one page dated June 27, 2005, that says, "the marketing sale or operation of this type of equipment is unlawful. Anyone involved with such activities may be subject to forfeitures, fines or even criminal prosecution." District administrators say they were also concerned about a block in communication during a potential campus emergency. They plan on returning the jammer, which cost less than $100, and asking for a refund. Previous Coverage School invests in cell phone jammer to block teenage texting (3/06/09)Frustrated by the continued distraction of cell phone texting and calling, a Spokane area school has invested in a device to block the phones from working. Mt. Spokane spent less than $100 to buy a cell phone jammer online and just completed a 3 day test period designed to foil students who text during class. More...<http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=9963126&nav=menu438_2> URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29620107/ ----- Tim Buenz Director of Technology Jefferson-Scranton Comm. Schools 204 W. Madison Street Jefferson, IA 50129 (515)386-9256 Fax (515)386-3591 http://www.jscsd.org "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future" -John F. Kennedy
