The Enforcement Bureau of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated actions against 20 separate online retailers for their illegal marketing of a variety of signal jamming devices.
The Commission’s action involves the issuance of citations in connection with the marketing of more than 200 different types of devices capable of interfering with signals from cellphones, global positioning systems and wi-fi devices. In each case, the online retailer was directed to immediately cease all marketing efforts related to the illegal device, and to advise the Commission of any corrective actions taken. In addition, retailers were instructed to provide the Commission with information regarding the manufacturer and/or supplier of the illegal device.
The marketing and/or sale of any such device that interferes with authorized radio communications is a violation of section 302(b) of the Communications Act, and sections 2.803 and 15.201(b) of the Commission’s rules. Further, the use of so-called jamming devices in public places could prevent a user from contacting fire or police personnel in the event of an emergency.
Continued violation regarding the marketing and/or sale of jamming devices can lead to monetary penalties of $16,000 to $112,500. The Commission also has the authority to impose separate monetary penalties for each illegal jamming device sold, or for each day on which an illegal jamming device is marketed. Additional violations can lead to seizure of equipment and imprisonment.
The Commission’s Enforcement Bureau stepped up enforcement action against retailers and user of jamming devices earlier this year, and issued two separate Enforcement Advisories, one for retailers and one for consumers.
